Monday, October 5, 2015

Applesauce Spice Cake


September and October are busy birthday months around here. Of course, that means cake! But I'm getting a little weary of baking the same cake over and over. So this past weekend, I wondered if I could convert my favorite cupcake recipe into a cake.

It worked! Now, this is no subtle, mildly sweet European Torte. This cake is a sugar powerhouse that can stand up to any super-sweet, towering Southern spice cake. In fact, it's loaded with delicious fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cloves. It's made with applesauce, which keeps it beautifully moist. And the easy-peasy caramel frosting will have everyone asking to lick the bowl.


Krista's Applesauce Spice Cake

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons) room temperature
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
3/4 cup regular sugar

3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by buttering and using parchment paper on the bottoms.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well with a fork to combine. Set aside.

Cream the butter with the sugars. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour mixture and the applesauce in thirds, alternating between them. Beat in the vanilla. Divide between the two pans. Bake 25 minutes. Cool on cake racks.


Caramel Frosting

1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter (room temperature)
4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 - 4 cups powdered sugar

Place first four ingredients in a deep microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts of 50 seconds, stirring each time until it bubbles up and is hot. Set aside to cool. Must be completely cool to make the frosting. 

Beat the butter well, scraping the sides and beating again. Add the cream and the cool caramel mixture and beat. Add the vanilla and beat. Slowly add the powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.

Cover the top of one layer of the cake with frosting. Set the other layer on top of it and frost the top and sides.

Mix all the dry ingredients.
Cool on a rack.





33 comments:

  1. The Applesauce Spice Cake sounds so good! Thank you for the recipe.

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  2. Yum. I love spice cake so I'll definitely have to try this one!

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    1. I think it's a nice change. Hope you like it, Joyce!

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  3. OOhhhh, that looks like a keeper Krista! and I'm not even a fan of spice cake.

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    1. It's not really your kind of cake, Lucy! But sugar lovers will go for it!

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  4. Arrgggh! I want that frosting--right now! For breakfast! Lovely color in the cake, too.

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  5. This is really pretty. The picture of the slice is beautifully done.
    And, yes, the frosting is sinfully good sounding!

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  6. Oh..my..goodness!! Thanks for this recipe!

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  7. Just say the word "caramel" and I love it already!

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  8. The icing looks yummy!! (My favorite part of any cake!!!)

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  9. Spice and applesauce a favs. Can't wait to try this. Thanks
    Della

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    1. Not Really? ROFL! That's a cute name. Hope you like, it Della!

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  10. This looks really yummy. Love anything with applesauce.

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    1. The applesauce is barely noticeable but it keeps it so nice and moist!

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  11. This looks really yummy. Love anything with applesauce.

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  12. Good choice for the fall. Love them apples. :)

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    1. I love apples, too, Bonnie. And best of all - no guilt for eating them! : )

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  13. I have said it before and I will say it again, you really missed your calling, the cake is just beautiful. But please keep your day job, because I love both series and would hate to see them go.

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    1. You're too kind, Margaret! I might have enjoyed being a pastry chef. I love watching the baking shows. They're so creative!

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  14. I missed this recipe the other day, but this sounds so yummy… I love apple cakes I love fall baking, I love everything about this! :-)

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  15. Steven Zanvil SawolkinFebruary 18, 2022 at 1:53 AM

    This is a wonderful recipe. It reminds me of one I used to make in the sixties and seventies from the Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cookery.

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