Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of homemade applesauce with the rich, nutty crunch of pecans - all baked into a moist, irresistible cake that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Applesauce Pecan Crumb Cake is not just a recipe; it's a slice of pure culinary magic that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended and no lumps remain.
- Melt the butter in a separate microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the applesauce and vanilla extract to the butter, stirring to combine all wet ingredients.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top surface.
- For the crumb topping, mix additional chopped pecans with a sprinkle of sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Scatter this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. The cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an extra flavor boost, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cake.
- Check for Moisture: The toothpick test is crucial. A few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick should come out mostly clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes cutting easier.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this cake to the next level of deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
