Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Bring It All Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if you’re using them.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes