Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. - Add Eggs:
Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. - Add Applesauce:
Gradually mix in applesauce. The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing. - Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional):
If using, gently fold in chopped nuts and raisins. - Transfer Batter to Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan(s) on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, wrap the cake in plastic wrap once cooled to retain freshness.
- Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze makes a delicious topping.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
