Paleo Applesauce Cake

At first I was only going to write- "When I have that perfect combination of free time and energy, I'll get to posting more recipes. I have plenty of pictures and scribbled recipes. But I've just started 2 grad courses! So tune in later." 

But let's face it, that perfect combination may not ever come. Actually, in about 3 weeks, it probably will come. Less than 3 weeks 'till summer!  It always comes so fast.  
Now I'm in my annual state of tormented mixed emotions: Giddy joy for summer vacation. Sadness for letting go of my kiddos. Regret for all the stuff I didn't do well this year. Over-whelming stress for all the end of year stuff. I would love to keep my kids for next year. They know summer's coming, so it's getting crazy. Our school carnival was Saturday. Sam and I made balloon animals all day. It's one of my secret skills. 

I made these applesauce cupcakes for the cake walk. With the Primal Frosting. Some poor kid had no idea they were getting 'healthy" cupcakes.












I used this recipe for my Mom's Birthday applesauce cake with a few variations. For Mom, I made real cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar. It's definitely better. My mom used to make this when we were kids all the time. Even my brothers thought this paleo version was great! It can be a sheet cake, cupcakes or muffins. 

(Mom, me and my brother- Apparently it's genetic)


Paleo Applesauce Cake Recipe

Ingredients
1 Cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1/4 Cup Coconut oil, melted
5 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 Cup + 2 Tablespoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice OR 1/2 teaspoon ginger & dash of nutmeg & allspice
1/4 Cup honey (OR 2 Tablespoons maple syrup & 1 teaspoon stevia)

Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Lightly grease 9x9 glass baking dish or line 12-cupcake pan with paper liners
- Mix dry ingredients
- Mix wet ingredients
- Combine wet and dry and mix well
- Let sit for 5 minutes (for coconut flour to absorb moisture) & then mix once more
- Fill cupcake pan or baking dish
- Bake at 400:
  For cupcakes 15 - 18 minutes, until tops lightly brown. Cool on wire rack.
  For cake bake 25 - 28 minutes, until lightly browned, & toothpick inserted comes out clean

Cool, frost and eat!
Optional: Garnish with apple slices lightly rubbed with lemon and sprinkled with cinnamon.

If keeping for more that 2 days, keep in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Primal Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 Cup organic cream cheese

1/4 Cup organic unsalted butter (1 stick)

1/4  Cup honey OR 1- 2 Tablespoons Stevia( it can be grainy)

1 Teaspoon vanilla

- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

- Beating on low, add powdered sugar in 1/2 cup batches, then vanilla. Mix until smooth. 

It will be runnier that the classic version

Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 Cup organic cream cheese
1/4 Cup organic unsalted butter (1 stick)
2  Cups powdered sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla

- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
- Beating on low, add powdered sugar in 1/2 cup batches, then vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Both versions can be refrigerated until ready to use. 

Hopefully Upcoming Posts:

My Spartan Race nightmare/accomplishment

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Cake Pops (I still need to try to duplicate this before I can post the recipe)

Brave

Oh, First Graders

Mother's day special with The Best Cake Ever!

Roasted Cauliflower

Snacks