Easy Applesauce Spice Cake Recipe

Many readers have asked me for some of my favorite New England recipes. Here’s one my family loves. It really is easy!

Easy Applesauce Spice Cake

2½ c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. baking powder

1½ tsp. baking soda

¾ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. allspice

½ tsp. cloves

2 c. sugar (I often use a bit less)

1½ cups unsweetened applesauce (homemade if possible!)

½ cup water

½ cup butter (preferably unsalted)

2 eggs

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

¾ cup raisins (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans or one rectangular pan. Mix first 7 dry ingredients in medium bowl. Blend sugar, applesauce, butter, eggs and water in large bowl. Add dry ingredients and combine on low mixer speed just until blended. Turn mixer to high speed for about 3 minutes. Add optional walnuts and/or raisins by hand.

 

Pour batter into pans and bake. Plan on about 30-35 minutes for 9-inch layers and a bit longer for 8-inch layers; 50 to 60 minutes for a rectangular pan.

When cool, frost with maple frosting (recipe below) or your favorite cream-cheese frosting.

Maple Frosting

¼ cup butter (preferably unsalted)

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

3 cups confectioner’s sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Blend together butter, syrup, vanilla and about a third of the sugar. Alternate milk and sugar. Use as much milk as needed for consistency.