Applesauce Spice Cake

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Serves 6

Cooking Time 3 to 4 hours on High

Slow Cooker Size 5½ to 7 Quarts

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: For a simple dessert that would also satisfy that afternoon craving, we set our sights on a moist snack cake permeated with the sweet flavor of apples and infused with warm spice notes. A water bath ensured that it cooked through gently and evenly. Half a cup of applesauce guaranteed robust apple flavor throughout, and small amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves offered subtle spice flavor. To finish our easy cake, we dusted it with a bit of confectioners’ sugar. You will need a 6-inch springform pan for this recipe, or you can substitute a 6-inch round cake pan. See the sidebar that follows the recipe.

1	cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
½	teaspoon baking soda
¼	teaspoon ground cinnamon
	Pinch ground nutmeg
	Pinch ground cloves
½	cup (3½ ounces) granulated sugar
½	cup unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
1	large egg, room temperature
½	teaspoon vanilla extract
¼	teaspoon salt
6	tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
	Confectioners’ sugar

1. Fill slow cooker with ½ inch water (about 2 cups water) and place aluminum foil rack in bottom. Grease 6-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.

2. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together in bowl. In large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, applesauce, egg, vanilla, and salt together until smooth. Slowly whisk in melted butter. Stir in flour mixture until just incorporated.

3. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Gently tap pan on counter to release air bubbles. Set cake on prepared rack, cover, and cook until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 3 to 4 hours on high.

4. Let cake cool completely in pan on wire rack, 1 to 2 hours. Run small knife around edge of cake, then remove sides of pan. Remove cake from pan bottom, discarding parchment, and transfer to serving dish. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.