Simple and Serene Living: Honey Applesauce Cake

Honey Applesauce Cake

I don't make New Year's resolutions. I hate to do what someone tells me to do, even if that someone is me. Just plainly too stubborn. However, I have gained back the weight I lost last year and I don't really like the way refined sugar makes me feel, so I have pulled out my old honey cookbook and I am going to make some of my favorites.

I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother made delicious applesauce cake. She used her own homemade applesauce, which of course, only added to its goodness. Apple sauce is really quite simple to make, but there are sugar free brands in the grocery, so those work well, too.

I love these old recipes. This one is from a cookbook called "Nature's Golden Treasure Honey Cookbook". My copy has lots of stains on it, from many years of happy cooking.

Honey-Applesauce Cake

Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup honey
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp. cloves
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Cream the shortening. Add the honey in a fine stream and cream until well mixed. Beat eggs into creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift dry ingredients together. Add to creamed mixture alternately with the applesauce. Add raisins and nuts. Pour batter into a well-greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 45 minutes or until cake tests done.

Although, this recipe doesn't call for a frosting, here is an easy cream cheese frosting that I use for my carrot cakes and feel sure it would be equally as good on this cake.

Easy Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add honey in a fine stream. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over top of cake.

If you add the frosting, be sure to store your cake in the refrigerator.

source

This is the perfect cake for an afternoon tea party with your best friend. So bring out your best tea set and settle in for a cozy chat.

Ginger ZuckJanuary 31, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Looks and sounds delish! I love apple cakes and the honey sounds very perfect!
Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJanuary 31, 2012 at 1:58 PM
I love a good apple cake so I will have to try this.
MaryJanuary 31, 2012 at 2:35 PM
I'm a fan of apple cakes, and I love the fact that you've used honey to sweeten yours. I must give this a try. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
HelenJanuary 31, 2012 at 3:10 PM
I love old cookbooks and the ones that have stains on them are the best. I'll be right over for a piece, should I bring extra tea?
StellaJanuary 31, 2012 at 3:22 PM
This sounds like the same cake I use to make when my kids were little. I would spread more applesauce on top instead of frosting to add a lil more nutrition.
Butterbean RowJanuary 31, 2012 at 5:23 PM
That is so retro delicious! I bet it is good with a cup of tea!

Thanks for the recipe.

♥charlotte
ClaudiaJanuary 31, 2012 at 5:45 PM
I have to say, it sounds heavenly! It reminds me of the yummy desserts my mom made!

xo
Claudia
Michelle a.k.a. FarmchickJanuary 31, 2012 at 7:26 PM
Sounds wonderful and somehow very old fashioned.
Sarah @ Modern Country StyleFebruary 1, 2012 at 7:58 AM
I always think that the recipe books that are the most stained and tatty are actually probably the best of all because people have USED them!! This looks YUMMY!!

Sarahx
outjunkingFebruary 1, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Comfort food from a well worn cookbook. Now that seems like something from the good ole days.
Lisa