Apple Sauce Cake Recipe

History of Apple Sauce Cake:

Apple sauce cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the Great Depression, when people were looking for affordable and accessible ingredients to make delicious treats. Apple sauce, a common pantry staple, was a perfect addition to cake recipes as it added moisture and natural sweetness.

Fun Facts about Apple Sauce Cake:

1. Apple sauce cake was often referred to as "war cake" during World War II because it was economical and didn't require expensive ingredients like eggs or butter, which were rationed at the time.

2. The addition of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake, making it a comforting and flavorful dessert.

3. This recipe can easily be modified to suit individual preferences and dietary restrictions. For example, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour for those who have gluten sensitivities.

Now, let's move on to the recipe itself:

Apple Sauce Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter (generous measure)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup apple sauce (not sweetened)
- 1 level teaspoonful soda
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoonful cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoonful cloves
- 1 small nutmeg, grated
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, and grated nutmeg) until light and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the soda in the apple sauce. Then, gradually add the apple sauce mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition.

4. Gradually add the flour and pinch of salt to the mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense cake.

5. If desired, add a cup of seeded raisins or a mixture of raisins and currants to the batter. This will add a lovely burst of sweetness and texture to the cake.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Optional: You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a glaze for added sweetness and presentation.

This apple sauce cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Variations and Similar Recipes:

- For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

- Some variations of apple sauce cake include grated carrots or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

- If you prefer a more decadent version of the cake, you can frost it with cream cheese icing or a simple vanilla buttercream.

- Similar recipes that you might enjoy include carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin spice cake. These recipes also incorporate fruit or vegetable purees to create moist and flavorful desserts.

So, go ahead and enjoy this timeless classic - the apple sauce cake. Whether you're looking for an economical treat or simply a delicious way to use up that jar of apple sauce in your pantry, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.