Easy Applesauce Cake Recipe for Kids
This easy to make applesauce cake will be a family favorite.
Applesauce cake has a lovely apples-and-cinnamon flavor that goes perfectly with any occasion - even breakfast! The recipe is easy to make and and you probably already have all the ingredients on hand. The simple instructions and relatively short preparation time make it ideal for kids (with some supervision, as needed).
Baking is not only fun for kids, but it is a great learning tool.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. Although it can be a somewhat chaotic and messy experience, it can be a lot of fun as well. Helping to cook and prepare meals can also be an important educational experience. Not only do kids learn about the fundamentals of cooking, but they also get to learn some basic skills that will help them in school. Here are some tips to help your child get the most out of your time together in the kitchen.
Reading
Cooking is a great way for your child to practice reading skills. A child who might be reluctant to sit down with a book is usually excited to read a recipe, especially knowing that something delicious will result from the effort. As you are baking this cake, have your child read the ingredients list out loud. Even fairly young children should be able to read parts of the list. Given them assistance as needed.
Counting
Ask your child to count the number of ingredients involved. How many bowls will you need to prepare the batter? How many baking pans do you need? How many eggs? How many cups of flour? This is an especially great excersize for younger children who are learning to understand the value of being able to count. Older children can talk about fractions. How do you measure a 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon if you don't have a measuring spoon in that exact size?
Measuring
Have your child look at the different forms of measurement involved in the recipe - cups, teaspoons, etc. Talk about how many ounces are in a cup and how many cups are in a quart, a gallon, etc.
Cooking Basics
Talk to your child about the differences between wisking, beating, folding, blending, etc. Explain the different ingredients and how they work together. What would happen if you left out the flour? The eggs? What is the purpose of baking soda?
Nutrition
Review the nutrition information and talk about it. Where does this cake fit into the food groups? What are its nutritional benefits?
Applesauce Cake Recipe
This recipe is simple to follow and allows for a little bit of adjusting-to-taste. For example, I typically leave out the cloves and the allspice. However, if you want a slightly richer, spicier flavor, you might want to leave them in. Additionally, since my family loves raisins I usually add an extra handful (or two).
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar, use slightly less if the applesauce is sweetened
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves, optional
- 1/2 tsp allspice, optional
- 1 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350. Grease two 9x5x3 loaf pans.
- In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves and allspice.
- Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, add the applesauce, shortening, water and eggs.
- Stir in the raisins.
- Pour into greased pans and bake 45 - 50 minutes, or until a golden brown color. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 slice | |
| Calories | 184 |
| Calories from Fat | 45 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 5 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat 2 g | 10% |
| Unsaturated fat 3 g | |
| Carbohydrates 34 g | 11% |
| Sugar 22 g | |
| Fiber 1 g | 4% |
| Protein 2 g | 4% |
| Cholesterol 18 mg | 6% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
