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

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

This recipe comes from my Grandma Swiler, and is a family favorite. Enjoy!

5 from 2 votes

Print Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate, Chunky Applesauce, Nut Topping, One Layer Cake, Potluck Dinners, Snack Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 20

Equipment

KitchenAid Mixer

Glass Measuring Cups

Nut Chopper

3 qt baker

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients  

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• 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.

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