There’s something truly comforting about a slice of warm, freshly baked cake. The combination of sweet, moist cake with subtle spice notes always brings a cozy feeling to any occasion. If you’re a fan of both the tangy flavor of sourdough and the natural sweetness of applesauce, then this Sourdough Applesauce Cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich flavors of sourdough starter and applesauce into a deliciously moist and irresistible cake.
**Sourdough Applesauce Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup sourdough starter
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 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 chopped walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
5. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts to add a lovely crunch to your cake batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, slice the Sourdough Applesauce Cake into squares and serve. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
This Sourdough Applesauce Cake is a wonderful way to use up excess sourdough starter while adding a fruity twist to your baked goods. The applesauce not only adds natural sweetness but also helps keep the cake moist and tender. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins such as raisins, cranberries, or even a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra special touch. Serve this cake as a delightful dessert, afternoon snack, or even as a sweet breakfast treat. No matter the occasion, this cake is sure to bring smiles to those who enjoy its comforting flavors. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a deliciously spiced Sourdough Applesauce Cake that will quickly become a household favorite!
