Gallagher Kitchen

Hello Fall! Apple Cinnamon Cake With a Twist

As the seasons change and the weather cools down, it's time to cozy up in the kitchen with a delicious new recipe. This apple cinnamon cake with walnuts and dates is the perfect treat for a crisp autumn afternoon. Moist and flavorful, this cake combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with the depth of spices and the crunch of chopped nuts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt to taste
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups applesauce (see note)
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and flour it well.
3. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Add the eggs, sugar, butter, and 1 cup of applesauce to the dry ingredients. Beat at low speed until just combined.
5. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl.
6. Add the remaining applesauce, dates, and walnuts to the batter and beat for 1 minute more.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and continue to bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

This classic frosting is the perfect complement to this moist cake.

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar (see note)

Instructions

1. Combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
2. Beat at low speed until smooth and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fluffy.

Suggested Variations or Adjustments

• To make this cake more decadent, try adding chocolate chips or shavings to the batter.
• For a more pronounced apple flavor, use 1 cup of apple cider instead of some of the applesauce.
• If you prefer a streusel-topped cake, simply sprinkle a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter on top before baking.