NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY
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NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY
National Applesauce Cake Day is June 6 on the National Day Calendar to recognize the delicious treat known as the apple sauce cake. This tasty food holiday offers an opportunity to share a slice (or two) of a cake that comes in a variety of recipes.
#ApplesauceCakeDay
You might think that adding applesauce to cake is a relatively modern baking invention. However, the first people to make this kind of cake were those who lived in the New England Colonies during early colonial times. They found that it didn’t cost a lot of money to make applesauce cake, partially because the cake was from flour and applesauce. Also, when they used with certain spices, applesauce cake didn’t spoil as easily. Early colonists knew applesauce cake was delicious, plus had a long shelf life.
Beginning around 1900, American cookbooks frequently published recipes for applesauce cake. This sweet and delicious cake became very popular in the country during WWI. Sugar and other ingredients were a scarce commodity during the war. Bakers began to substitute ingredients to free up resources for soldiers in the war. Interestingly, flour was also a scarce commodity, too. Bakers would simply substitute flour by using cornmeal or oats instead.
During WWII, applesauce cake once again became very popular when the sugar rations began. Following the same ideas from WWI, applesauce was implemented into many recipes of people to support the war effort overseas.
Did You Know?
People were considered patriotic during WWI if they ate and cooked with applesauce.
Applesauce Cake Tidbits
When it comes to applesauce cake, mixing in spices, nuts or dried fruit makes this cake a crowd-pleaser. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are just a few spices to choose from. You might also like to add pecans or walnuts for some crunch. Raisins or chopped apples add a little extra natural sweetness and texture to this cake. Some bakers use homemade applesauce, but store-bought will do just as well.
In any cake recipe, applesauce may be substituted for the butter or oil for a healthier alternative. Using applesauce instead of butter or oil keeps the cake nice and moist while removing all the added saturated fats. You can make your applesauce cake even healthier by using unsweetened applesauce. This kind of applesauce contains naturally occurring sugars, which means you can reduce the amount of sugar you use in the recipe. Reducing sugar means reducing the amount of calories, as well.
Apparently, one-half cup of applesauce may be a substitute for one egg in some baking recipes for those who have egg allergies. Replacing an egg with applesauce may make your recipe more dense, but you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to create a lighter texture. If you want to add frosting to your applesauce cake, cream cheese frosting goes very well with this this yummy dessert.
There are also many variations of applesauce cake. By avoiding or using different ingredients, you can make your applesauce cake gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan.
6 NATIONAL APPLESAUCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Bake an applesauce cake to share.
Try a new applesauce cake recipe to share with coworkers.
Bake a fresh applesauce cake and deliver a few slices to your neighbor or bring them to work.
Learn more about the history of applesauce cake.
Experiment with different kinds of applesauce or try different toppings on your applesauce cake.
Post your favorite applesauce cake recipe or a photo of your creation to social media using the hashtag #ApplesauceCakeDay.
NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY HISTORY
The creator of this tasty food holiday is unknown, but that doesn't stop us from celebrating. In fact, we are enjoying the opportunity to have a slice (or two) of applesauce cake because we love cake of all kinds.
Related apple-themed days on the National Day Calendar: