Martha Stewart Applesauce Spice Cake

This Martha Stewart applesauce spice cake is a moist and warmly spiced dessert, which includes applesauce, raisins, and walnuts. It’s a comforting fall recipe that’s perfect with or without cream cheese frosting, and it comes together in just 55 minutes.

Martha Stewart Applesauce Spice Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt thinned with milk, or 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 batch cream cheese frosting, optional
• Extra walnuts for garnish, optional

How To Make Martha Stewart Applesauce Spice Cake

1. Preheat oven and prep pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment to form a sling.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until light. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and applesauce until smooth.
5. Combine batter: Mix in half of the dry ingredients. Before fully blended, add thinned yogurt (or buttermilk). Mix in remaining dry ingredients, followed by walnuts and raisins. Stir just until combined.
6. Bake the cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake on the middle rack for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and cake springs back when touched.
7. Cool and serve: Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes. Lift out using parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate with extra walnuts if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this without frosting? Absolutely. The cake is flavorful enough to serve plain.
• Best way to keep it moist: Don’t over-mix the batter, and store tightly covered.
• How to enhance the spice: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom if you like spicier cakes.
• Make it nut-free: Simply omit the walnuts if needed.
• Substitute for raisins: Try dried cranberries or chopped dates.

What To Serve With Applesauce Spice Cake

Pair this cake with:

• Hot apple cider
• Chai latte or cinnamon tea
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Cream cheese or maple glaze
• A dollop of whipped cream

How To Store Applesauce Spice Cake

Room Temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days if frosted.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Applesauce Spice Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~390
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Sugar: ~32g
• Protein: ~5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and even tastes better the next day.

Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Yes, just make sure it’s unsweetened and chunky if possible.

What kind of nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts both work well in this cake.

Is the yogurt necessary?
You can substitute with buttermilk or sour cream.

Can I use a round pan?
Yes, use a 9-inch round cake pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Try More Recipes:

• Martha Stewart Applesauce Cake
• Martha Stewart Apple Upside Down Cake
• Martha Stewart Apple Spice Cake