Grandma's Applesauce Cake, a recipe contributed by Doris Sheehan of Willsboro, New York, is a cherished old family recipe. Doris writes, “My grandmother Anna Horning Rau (1879-1969) as a young girl accompanied her parents from Ohio to Kansas to try homesteading. She said that she remembered her mother's making this cake for special occasions while they were there, so the recipe may have been acquired there. Eventually the family moved back to Ohio. This recipe came back with them and has been used frequently by all subsequent generations.”
- 1/2 c. shortening
- 1 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 1 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 c. hot water
- 3/4 c. raisins (optional)
- 3/4 c. nuts (optional)
- 2 c. flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tsp. cocoa
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. baking soda
Cream shortening and sugar; add egg, appplesauce, and vanilla. Sift all the dry ingredients together. If using raisins, soak them in the hot water. Add dry ingredients alternately with raisin/water. (Stir in optional nuts.) Beat well. Bake about 40 minutes at 375° F.
Pan size: My mother always made this in two 8-inch round pans and frosted it with chocolate frosting. I usually use a loaf pan and frost it with cream cheese frosting.
Note: If desired, sweetened applesauce may be substituted, in which case use only 1 c. sugar.
Notes:
Available directly from the publisher, and at museums throughout the United States.
Simply Scrumptious Southern Sweets
Copyright © 2003 Patricia B. Mitchell.