ππ° Sure thing! Let’s talk about Applesauce Apple-Raisin Cake. ππ°
What is it?
Applesauce Apple-Raisin Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce, the rich flavors of apples and raisins, and the comforting warmth of spices. It’s a moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion.
History:
The exact origin of this cake is a bit unclear, but it likely evolved from traditional apple cakes, which have been enjoyed for centuries. Applesauce became a popular ingredient in baking during the early 20th century, thanks to its natural sweetness and ability to add moisture to cakes without the need for excessive amounts of butter or oil. The addition of raisins and spices further enhances the flavor profile.
Components:
To make an Applesauce Apple-Raisin Cake, you’ll need the following components:
- 2 cups of applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups of chopped apples (usually peeled)
- 1 cup of raisins
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Steps to Prepare:
Here are the steps to prepare this delicious cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). Set aside.
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In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the chopped apples and raisins.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare and bake this cake is approximately 1 hour, including prep time and baking time. Please note that cooling time is additional.
Enjoy your delicious Applesauce Apple-Raisin Cake! π°ππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applesauce Apple-Raisin Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-7g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38-42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Vitamin C: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 2-3% of the DV
- Iron: 4-6% of the DV
Health Information:
- This cake contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats. The sugar content is relatively high due to the use of applesauce, sugar, and raisins.
- It provides some dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Applesauce is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
- The cake contains moderate levels of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.
- The use of apples and raisins adds natural sweetness without the need for excessive added sugars.
- The presence of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves not only enhances flavor but may also offer some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
While this cake can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consider using unsweetened applesauce or reducing the sugar content for a slightly healthier version.
