Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely Egg-Free and Easily Made Vegan
• Simple One-Bowl Mixing Method
• Incredibly Moist Crumb from Applesauce
• Budget-Friendly Pantry Ingredients
• A Taste of American History

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• 8×8 inch square baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted shortening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
3. To the same bowl, add the wet ingredients: unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
5. If using, gently fold in the optional raisins or chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use the spatula to spread it into an even layer.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Place the pan on a wire cooling rack and allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. For best results and cleanest slices, allow it to cool completely.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge. This prevents a dense, dry cake.
• Do not overmix the batter. Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated to ensure a tender crumb.
• Use unsweetened applesauce for the best flavor balance. If you only have sweetened, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup.
• The cake is delicious on its own, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze can elevate it for special occasions.

Substitutions and Variations

For the fat, you can use melted coconut oil or melted unsalted butter (if not keeping it vegan). For the spices, 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice can be used in place of the individual spices. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and results in a tough, chewy cake instead of a tender one. Another issue is using sweetened applesauce without adjusting the sugar, which can make the cake cloyingly sweet. Finally, be sure not to underbake; the center should be fully set and spring back lightly when touched.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm or at room temperature. It’s wonderful on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (or a dairy-free alternative), a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce works wonderfully. For best results, use an unsweetened and smooth variety to maintain the intended sweetness and texture of the cake.

Why is this cake called a ‘Depression Era’ cake?

It earned this name because the recipe was developed during the Great Depression of the 1930s, a time of economic hardship. Ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk were often scarce or too expensive, so resourceful home cooks created recipes that used affordable pantry staples like flour, sugar, oil, and applesauce as a substitute for moisture and binding.

Can I bake this recipe in a different pan?

Yes, you can. For a 9-inch round pan, the baking time will be similar. For cupcakes, fill liners 2/3 full and bake for about 18-22 minutes. For a loaf pan, the baking time will increase to 45-55 minutes.

Conclusion

This Depression Era Spiced Applesauce Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious piece of history. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple charm, incredible flavor, and comforting texture. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the most memorable dishes often come from the simplest of ingredients, combined with a touch of creativity and care. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this timeless classic.