Ingredients:
✔ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔ 1 ½ tsp baking soda
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
✔ ½ tsp ground nutmeg
✔ ¼ tsp ground cloves
✔ ½ cup butter, softened
✔ 1 cup brown sugar, packed
✔ ½ cup granulated sugar
✔ 2 large eggs
✔ 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔ ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
✔ ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or use parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5️⃣ Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
6️⃣ Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Storage Options:
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
✔ Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.