Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake with Whiskey Frosting is a timeless delight, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a slice of nostalgia and flavor. Inspired by the warmth and charm of the Waltons, this recipe brings together the comforting essence of applesauce cake with a kick of whiskey-infused frosting, creating a dessert that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup white raisins
- 2 cups light raisins
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 quart applesauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons Bourbon
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch tube or bundt pan, ensuring it’s ready for the batter.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a uniform texture in your cake.
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Prepare Raisin-Nut Mixture: In another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and both types of raisins. Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to coat the nuts and raisins evenly. This step prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
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Incorporate Eggs and Applesauce: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then, alternately add the flour mixture and the applesauce to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. This ensures a well-mixed batter.
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Fold in Raisin-Nut Mixture: Gently fold in the raisin-nut mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
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Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooling.
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Prepare Whiskey Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the whiskey frosting. In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter and heavy cream. Gradually beat in 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
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Incorporate Bourbon: Blend in the remaining confectioners’ sugar and the bourbon until the frosting reaches a proper spreading consistency. Adjust the amount of bourbon to your taste preference.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whiskey frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula or knife.
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Serve and Enjoy: Cover the frosted cake until you’re ready to serve it, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, slice and savor each delicious bite of this irresistible dessert.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1062.6
- Fat: 41.4g
- Saturated Fat: 20.2g
- Cholesterol: 131.7mg
- Sodium: 441.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 166.1g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 102.8g
- Protein: 11.1g
Tips and Tricks:
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the cake.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the bourbon from the frosting and replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.
- To make ahead, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
- Serve slices of this decadent cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Whether you’re reminiscing about the Walton family or creating new memories with loved ones, Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake with Whiskey Frosting is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a slice of nostalgia and deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for more.
