Spiced Irish Applesauce Cake (Moist & Easy Traditional Bake)

 

There is something really comforting about a homemade bake, especially one that fill the kitchen with warmth and familiar scents. This recipe is one of those simple, dependable favourites . . . the kind you can pull together with everyday ingredients ad end up with something truly delicious.

Whether you are baking for yourself, sharing with a friend or someone you love, or just craving a cozy moment in the middle of the day, this is the kind of treat that always hits the spot.  Easy, reliable and wonderfully satisfying. Its sure to be a recipe you will reach for again and again.

 

There is something about the autumn months that makes one want to turn to warm bakes using apple and pumpkin and warm baking spices. I had a small jar of applesauce leftover from when my sister and I canned applesauce last year and I wanted to use it up before I make more. This was the perfect excuse to bake this old favourite, Spiced Irish Applesauce Cake.

This is a recipe that comes from the pages of my Big Blue Binder. I've been baking it for years and years. I am not sure what makes it Irish, but I do know that it is a very delicious and moist cake. I also know that the Irish are great bakers and like to use buttermilk a lot in their baking, so perhaps this is the reason.

This is a cake that always comes out moist and delicious. The buttermilk and applesauce ensure this. It's also relatively low in fat due to the applesauce which helps to replace some of the fat in the recipe.

I love the combination of warm baking spices used . . .  cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom  . . .  these things herald the autumn baking season to me. Autumn and those scents and flavors go together like peas and carrots.

There is no need to ice this cake. I simply dust it with some icing sugar to pretty it up a bit, but that isn't even totally necessary. This is a cake that stands very well on it's own.

With a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a snack, or with some whipped cream or even ice cream for dessert, this is a cake that everyone is going to enjoy!  I guarantee! Moist, spicy and delicious!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED 

TO MAKE 

🍂SPICED IRISH APPLESAUCE CAKE🍂

There is nothing too complicated about the ingredients needed to make this cake. Simple ingredients put together in the most delicious way!

• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (73g) soft light brown sugar
• 1 TBS molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (177g) plain all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

 

🍂INGREDIENTS NOTES🍂

Buttermilk

Adds a light, fluffy rise and tender crumb, thanks to its acidity, which reacts beautifully with the baking soda. It also adds a subtle tang.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft for days. Adds a gentle apple flavour and replaces some of the fat without sacrificing tenderness.

Vegetable Oil

Provides richness and ensures the cake stays softer longer than a  traditional butter-based cake would. You can use Canola or any neutral flavored oil. I like light olive oil.

Eggs

Binds the batter and adds richness, moisture and structure.

Granulated Sugar

Sweetens the cake while helping to lock in moisture for a soft crumb.

Brown Sugar

Adds a deeper flavour and additional moistness to the cake.

Molasses

Adds a deep rich flavour.

All-Purpose Plain Flour

Provides just the right amount of structure while keeping the crumb tender. A one to one gluten free baking mix works well as a substitute.

Baking Powder & Baking soda (Bicarbonate)

Work together to give the cake life. Baking soda works with the buttermilk for tenderness, while baking powder adds extra rise.

Warm Baking Spices

The heart of this delicious cake. They create a cozy, aromatic flavour profile rooted in Irish baking tradition. They bring warmth and a sweet aromatic depth to the cake.

 🍂HOW TO MAKE SPICED IRISH APPLESAUCE CAKE🍂

 A very simple and easy cake to make.

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F/180*C/ gas mark 4. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking tin and then line with baking paper. Set aside. (I crumple up the baking paper really small and then uncrumple it, it fits into the pan perfectly without folds.)
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom together in a medium bowl with a wire whisk, making sure everything is evenly combined. (Its important that you distribute the spices and leavenings evenly through the flour.)
3. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, applesauce, oil, molasses, both sugars and molasses together in a larger bowl. Combine evenly. (Make sure everything is evenly mixed together.)
4. Add the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients and whisk everything together to combine well. The batter should be smooth without any lumps. (The batter should be smooth, but take care not to overmix or you risk making a tough cake. I used a large silicone whisk.)
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. (Once you add the liquid to the flour it's important to get the cake into the oven as soon as possible as the buttermilk and soda will start reacting as soon as they meet.)
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly touched. (Mine took about 35 minutes but do check it at 30.)
7. Leave to cool in the pan before lifting out to serve. You can dust the top with some icing sugar if you wish. (Leaving it in the pan to cool makes for a dense and moist crumb.)
8. Cut into squares to serve, with or without a dollop of whipped cream on top. (Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer.)

 

🍂HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS WHEN BAKING CAKES🍂

• Try to have all of your ingredients at the same temperature, which usually means room temperature.
• Measure accurately. Baking is an exact science and guess work doesn't work here.
• When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup measure and then level off the top with a straight edge.
• Read the recipe through several times prior to beginning and get out any equipment you are going to need to prepare the recipe.
• Preheat the oven.
• Have all of your ingredients measured, prepped and ready to go before starting. This can keep you from leaving out an integral part of any recipe.
• Baking by weight is a much more accurate method to use as a gram is always a gram, but cups can often vary in size.
• If baking by using cups use dry cups (usually metal or plastic without graded or spouted measurements) for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups (usually clear glass with a spout for pouring) for wet ingredients. 

 

🍂FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS🍂

CAN THIS CAKE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, in fact it tastes even better the day after baking. The spices deepen and the cake becomes even moister.

HOW SHOULD I STORE THIS CAKE?

Keep this cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. No need for refrigeration.

DOES THIS CAKE FREEZE WELL?

Yes this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in come plastic cling film and then a layer of foil. Label and date. Freeze for up to four weeks. Thaw overnight before serving.

CAN I MAKE THIS CAKE GLUTEN FREE?

Yes, simply use a one to one gluten free baking mix in place of the flour.

CAN THIS CAKE BE MADE WITHOUT EGGS?

Yes, simply use extra applesauce in place of the eggs. (1/2 cup or 115g)

CAN THIS BE MADE VEGAN?

Yes, use applesauce instead of eggs and a homemade buttermilk substitute made with plant milk.

CAN I DOUBLE THE RECIPE?

Absolutely. Double and bake in a 9 by 13-inch pan for 45 to 50 minutes.

CAN I ADD FRUIT OR NUTS TO THE RECIPE?

Yes, diced apples, pears, raisins, sultanas, dates or toasted nuts all make beautiful additions.

CAN I USE SWEETENED APPLESAUCE?

You can but you will have a sweeter cake than you would otherwise.

 

🍂A FEW MORE IRISH CAKES FOR YOU TO ENJOY🍂

Those Irish, they are good bakers. Here's a few more cakes which we enjoy!

IRISH WHISKY AND GINGER CAKE - A beautifully moist, dense farmhouse-style bake that delivers a true ginger-lover's dream. Packed with ground ginger and studded with golden jewels of crystalized ginger soaked in Irish whiskey for extra richness. It bakes into a buttery, sweet, spicy loaf with a gorgeous golden top. More candied ginger is scattered over top prior to baking, creating sparkly little pebbles that make each slice fragrant and irresistible.

IRISH TEA CAKE - A simple vanilla scented sponge made from ordinary pantry ingredients. It bakes up into something truly special. Light, tender, not overly sweet, it has that lovely moist crumb that makes each slice perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. A dusting of icing sugar is all it needs, although its also very nice dressed up with whipped cream and berries!  An everyday cake that feels timeless.

 

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RECIPE HERE

Yield: one 8-inch square cake

Author: Marie Rayner

Spiced Irish Applesauce Cake

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 50 Min

Moist and delicious with minimal prep, cleanup and an easy bake.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (73g) soft light brown sugar
• 1 TBS molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (177g) plain all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F/180*C/ gas mark 4. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking tin and then line with baking paper. Set aside.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom together in a medium bowl with a wire whisk, making sure everything is evenly combined.
3. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, applesauce, oil, molasses, both sugars and molasses together in a larger bowl. Combine evenly.
4. Add the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients and whisk everything together to combine well. The batter should be smooth without any lumps.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly touched.
7. Leave to cool in the pan before lifting out to serve. You can dust the top with some icing sugar if you wish.
8. Cut into squares to serve, with or without a dollop of whipped cream on top.

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