Ingredients
CAKE
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple cider (not cider vinegar)
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger until well combined. This ensures even spice distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the batter into a shallow 8×11-inch (2-quart) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Add Liquids: Carefully pour the apple cider and water over the topping layer; do not stir. This will create the pudding sauce as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the pudding sauce thicken slightly for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Use a shallow baking dish to ensure the pudding sauce forms correctly beneath the cake layer.
- Do not stir after adding the apple cider and water; this allows the caramel-like sauce to develop naturally during baking.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Substitute non-dairy milk to make the recipe dairy-free if needed.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American