Chocolate Applesauce Cake
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This Chocolate Applesauce Cake recipe comes from my Grandma Swiler, and is a family favorite.
I remember many times, going over to my grandma’s house and seeing this 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 applesauce. The vegetable shortening gives it a nice rise. And then there is the 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 Needed to Make Chocolate Applesauce Cake
- granulated sugar
- vegetable shortening
- large eggs
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon applesauce
- all-purpose flour
- baking cocoa
- baking soda
- salt
Nut Topping
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- chopped pecans or English walnuts
- granulated sugar
A Note About Chocolate Chips
Any semi-sweet chocolate chips (or bittersweet) will work for this recipe. I like to use a quality brand, such as Ghirardelli or Nestle.
Instructions for Making This Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 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.
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. Top with chopped nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips over cake and then the granulated sugar. Bake 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.
See more Cake Recipes Here.
See more Applesauce Recipes Here.
Chocolate Applesauce Cake
Equipment
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 degrees. Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand. Using a food chopper, chop your pecans or English walnuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening. Add eggs, vanilla extract and chunky applesauce.
- 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 a greased oblong cake pan. Top with chopped nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips over cake and then sugar. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick in center comes out clean. 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!!