Are you looking for a tasty dessert that won't ruin your diet? Look no further than this delicious applesauce cake recipe! With just 2238 calories per loaf (9" X 5" X 3"), you can indulge in a guilt-free treat. Let's take a closer look at the history, benefits, and nutritional value of applesauce cake.

Applesauce cake has been a popular recipe in American households since the early 1900s. During World War II, ingredients like sugar and butter were rationed, making applesauce a convenient substitute in baking. Today, applesauce cake is still enjoyed as a healthier alternative to traditional cakes.

Not only is applesauce cake delicious, it also offers several health benefits. By swapping out butter for applesauce, you can reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe. Applesauce also adds natural sweetness to the cake without the need for excess sugar.

History of Applesauce Cake

As mentioned earlier, applesauce cake has been a popular recipe for over a century. In fact, the first written recipe for applesauce cake dates back to 1901. Since then, the recipe has evolved to include various additions like nuts, raisins, and spices. During World War II, ingredients like sugar and butter were rationed. This led to the use of applesauce as a substitute for sugar and fat in baking. This substitution resulted in a moist cake that is still enjoyed today as a healthier alternative to traditional cakes. Today, there are countless variations of applesauce cake that have been adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. From vegan and gluten-free versions to cakes with added flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, there is an applesauce cake recipe for everyone.

Benefits of Applesauce Cake

Applesauce cake offers several health benefits compared to traditional cakes. By swapping out butter for applesauce, you can reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe. Additionally, applesauce adds natural sweetness to the cake without the need for excess sugar. Applesauce is also a great source of fiber and vitamins like vitamin C, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cake ingredients. Plus, the moist texture of applesauce cake means you can enjoy a slice without needing to add frosting or additional toppings.

Nutritional Value of Applesauce Cake

One loaf of applesauce cake (9" X 5" X 3") contains approximately 2238 calories, depending on the specific recipe. However, the nutritional value of applesauce cake can vary widely depending on the ingredients used. On average, applesauce cake contains around 10g of fat, 41g of sugar, and 5g of protein per slice. However, by adapting the recipe to include healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce, you can reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining the delicious taste.

Ingredients in Applesauce Cake Recipe

The ingredients in an applesauce cake recipe can vary depending on the specific recipe. However, some common ingredients include flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar, eggs, oil, and unsweetened applesauce. To make a healthier version of applesauce cake, consider swapping out white flour for whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and using unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or butter. You can also add additional healthy ingredients like nuts or raisins for extra flavor and nutrition.

Calories in Applesauce Cake

One loaf of applesauce cake (9" X 5" X 3") contains approximately 2238 calories, depending on the specific recipe. This equates to around 187 calories per slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf). However, by adapting the recipe to include healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce, you can reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining the delicious taste.

Variations of Applesauce Cake Recipe

There are countless variations of applesauce cake that have been adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Some popular variations include vegan and gluten-free versions, as well as cakes with added flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. To make a vegan version of applesauce cake, swap out the eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or a chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water). For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

How to Bake Applesauce Cake

To bake an applesauce cake, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan (9" X 5" X 3"). In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt). In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (sugar, eggs, oil, and unsweetened applesauce). Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Tips for Serving Applesauce Cake

Applesauce cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. For a healthier option, try topping your cake with fresh berries or chopped nuts. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. To add an extra kick of flavor, try adding some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your cake batter. You can also try experimenting with different types of applesauce or adding in additional mix-ins like raisins or chopped apples.

Storage of Applesauce Cake

To store your applesauce cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze your cake for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw your frozen cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applesauce Cake

1. Is applesauce cake healthier than regular cake? Yes, applesauce cake is generally considered a healthier alternative to regular cake thanks to the reduced amount of fat and sugar in the recipe. 2. Can I substitute applesauce for oil in cake recipes?