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This Chocolate Applesauce Cake recipe comes from my Grandma Swiler, and is a family favorite. Flavored with cinnamon applesauce and an easy chocolate pecan topping, it’s a perfect cake to make all year long.
I remember many times, going over to my grandma’s house and seeing this chocolate applesauce cake on her table, just waiting for company. My daughters can probably say the same thing about their grandma. And I’m sure my grandchildren will say the same thing about me. It’s a family favorite.
The cake is lightly flavored with chocolate (with only two tablespoons of cocoa), and cinnamon applesauce. The vegetable shortening gives it a nice rise. And then there is the easy topping. Chopped Nuts + Chocolate Chips + Sugar
One of the sweet things about this recipe is the chocolate nut topping. Use either pecans or English walnuts. Both work well. It’s so easy to toss together. No frostings to worry about. And yet, it’s still delicious. As it bakes, it forms this sugary crust that is simply scrumptious.
Ingredients for Chocolate Applesauce Cake
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A Few Notes About This Recipes
Instructions for Making This Recipe
Preheat oven to 350°F. To begin, gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand.
Chop the pecans or English walnuts. I like to use a food chopper for this, but you could also use a Chef’s knife and cutting board.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable shortening. Add to this the large eggs, vanilla extract and applesauce.
I like to use homemade applesauce, if I have it in my freezer. But if not, I’ve found that Musselman’s makes a chunky applesauce that I really like.
In a small bowl sift together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture and beat until combined.
Pour mixture into greased oblong cake pan.
Add Topping to the Cake
Top with chopped nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips over cake, and then the granulated sugar.
Don’t fret if you think this looks like too much sugar, as it bakes into the cake and forms this delectable crunchy coating that you don’t want to miss out on.
Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. This cake serves 16-20 people.
Serve Chocolate Applesauce Cake with a big glass of milk. Or with vanilla ice cream, which is my husband’s favorite. Pictured above, cake served on Polish Pottery dessert plate – Pattern: LZ Daisy Jane.
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Chocolate Applesauce Cake
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chunky applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Nut Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cups chopped pecans or English walnuts
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand.
- Using a food chopper, chop your pecans or English walnuts.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable shortening. Add large eggs, vanilla extract and chunky applesauce.
- In a small bowl sift together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture and beat until combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased oblong cake pan.
Add Topping to Cake
- Top with chopped nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake and then the granulated sugar. Don't be afraid to add too much, as it makes a lovely crunchy topping.
- Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick in center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving. Serves 16-20.
This sounds really good. The more I read your posts, the more motivated I get to venture into the world of baking. I bake now and then but I find it daunting with all the exact measures and procedures.
Do visit mt blog too, I'd appreciate it.
This is such a good recipe, one of my favorites from my childhood, and one of my kids’ favorites today!
Yes, Great-Grandma made this cake so often. As does your grandma!
Can you use homemade sweeten apple sauce for this recipe?
Yes, I do that often! Enjoy!!