Applesauce Streusel Cake

January was my first month participating in Bakin' Friends and let me say it was wonderful! Not only did I get paired up with the founder herself, Stephanie from Steph's Bite by Bite, but I got to try out a new recipe that turned out great.  The secret ingredient for January was *Applesauce*.  With January being the month that everyone tries to start back on their health-kicks, it was only fitting that we try a baked recipe made with the healthy substitute.

I am not a "from the brain" baker. I have never been able to change recipes to suit my needs, let along come up with any on my own. So with that being said, this recipe came from Anna at Cookie Madness.

Applesauce Streusel Cake by Cookie Madness

Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg

Streusel Ingredients

1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 tbsp cold butter
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray square pan with cooking spray.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, vanilla, and egg. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and stir until mixed.  Pour into pan.

4. Make streusel by mixing all dry ingredients together, then cutting in the butter.

5. Sprinkle streusel over top of cake. Sprinkle nuts over top of streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown around edges.