Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the applesauce, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
10. After 10 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 316
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 297mg
Sugar: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Instead of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- If you don't have caramel sauce, you can make your own by melting 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber in color, then adding 1/4 cup of heavy cream and stirring until smooth.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch.
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 tsp of ground ginger and 1/4 tsp of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- You can also make this recipe into cupcakes by using a muffin tin instead of a cake pan.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure your butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, or the cake may become tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake for a decadent look.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Hot apple cider
- Coffee
- Tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, try reducing the amount of applesauce by 1/4 cup.
- If the cake is not rising properly, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and not expired.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or equipment used in the recipe before and after handling food to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store the cake properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Food History:
- Applesauce cake is a classic American dessert that dates back to the early 1900s. It was a popular way to use up leftover applesauce and was often served as a simple, comforting dessert.
Flavor Profiles:
- This cake has a warm, spiced flavor from the cinnamon and nutmeg, with a sweet caramel undertone. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this cake as a dessert after a cozy fall or winter meal.
- It's also a great option for a potluck or holiday gathering.
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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Appley, Moist, Spiced