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Apple Applesauce Cake with Caramel Penuche Frosting Recipe

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This classic Applesauce Cake with rich Caramel (Penuche) Frosting is a moist, spiced cake perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. The cake features warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended with sweet raisins and unsweetened applesauce for moisture. Topped with a luscious homemade penuche frosting made from butter, brown sugar, milk, and powdered sugar, this cake is a sweet treat that balances wholesome flavors with indulgent caramel notes.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup raisins

Penuche Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 3/4 to 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep oven and pan: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch cake pan or quarter-sheet pan and set aside.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup butter, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Add applesauce: Mix in 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce until just combined. The batter may appear separated, which is normal.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Add raisins: Stir in 1 cup raisins evenly into the batter.
  6. Bake the cake: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove cake and let cool completely while preparing the frosting.
  7. Cook butter and sugar for frosting: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Whisk in 1 cup brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  8. Add milk: Carefully pour in 1/4 cup whole milk; mixture will bubble. Continue stirring and bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool until lukewarm.
  9. Add powdered sugar: Gradually whisk in 1 3/4 to 2 cups powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and thickened.
  10. Frost the cake: Spread the penuche frosting evenly on the cooled cake. Allow frosting to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, make sure the applesauce and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
  • You can substitute golden raisins or chopped nuts to vary the cake texture.
  • If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, a quarter-sheet pan will also work.
  • The batter may look a bit separated after adding applesauce; this is normal and will not affect baking.
  • Keep heat low when melting butter and cooking the frosting to prevent burning.
  • Adjust powdered sugar quantity in frosting to achieve your desired thickness.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/apple-applesauce-cake-with-caramel-penuche-frosting-recipe/