Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that radiates warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort, look no further than Amish Applesauce Cake. This spiced classic is a celebration of simple pantry staples transformed into something irresistibly moist and fragrant, thanks to applesauce, aromatic spices, and a tender crumb that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, Amish Applesauce Cake is a timeless treat that always makes you feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cake has a purpose, from the buttery base to the cozy blend of spices. These simple staples join forces to create a cake that’s bursting with flavor, moistness, and a hint of nostalgia in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Together, these leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing the cake with that signature warm and cozy aroma.
- Ground cloves: Adds depth and a hint of peppery spice, making every bite more interesting.
- Ground nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg brings subtle earthiness and rounds out the spice blend.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creamed into the sugars, it creates a luxuriously rich and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake achieve that classic golden color.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and keeps the cake extra moist.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake stability for a perfect slice every time.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The secret ingredient for incredible moistness and a light apple flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty richness—totally up to you!
- Raisins (optional): These sweet little gems add bursts of flavor and classic Amish charm.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cake won’t stick and makes for easy removal later. Getting your pans ready before you start mixing keeps everything smooth and stress-free—plus, a properly preheated oven is key to a perfectly risen cake.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This simple step distributes the leaveners and spices evenly, guaranteeing every bite of your Amish Applesauce Cake is perfectly spiced and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates air pockets in the batter, giving your cake that soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Take your time here—the creamier, the better!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also helps keep the cake light, while vanilla brings all the flavors together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. This is where the magic happens—the batter comes together quickly and will smell absolutely divine. If you’re using nuts or raisins, fold them in now for extra texture and bursts of flavor in every slice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with the cozy scent of spices and applesauce.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This helps lock in the cake’s moisture and makes it easier to frost or dust with powdered sugar once it’s fully cooled.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
This cake is wonderfully versatile and can be served as simply or as indulgently as you like. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a rustic look, or go all out with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a handful of chopped nuts on top also makes for an eye-catching (and delicious) finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Amish Applesauce Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert combo. For a cozier experience, serve it alongside a mug of hot apple cider, spiced tea, or a frothy latte—perfect for chilly evenings or fall gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this humble cake into a centerpiece by cutting it into small squares for a dessert platter, layering slices with whipped cream and fruit for a trifle, or serving it as cupcakes for a fun twist. No matter how you present it, the comforting flavors of Amish Applesauce Cake always shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
Amish Applesauce Cake freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you like your cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back some of that fresh-baked softness and makes it extra comforting, especially with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake without nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Both nuts and raisins are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smooth, classic texture. The cake will still be moist, flavorful, and delicious.
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but keep in mind that using sweetened applesauce will make the cake sweeter. You might want to slightly reduce the amount of sugar to balance the flavors.
What’s the best way to frost Amish Applesauce Cake?
A classic cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spices and apple flavor, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce is also wonderful. It’s all about your personal taste and the occasion!
Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?
Definitely! Just be sure to grease the bundt pan thoroughly and adjust the baking time as needed—usually it takes a bit longer. Test with a toothpick to be sure it’s baked through.
How can I add a fruity twist to the cake?
You can substitute up to half of the applesauce with crushed pineapple for a fun, fruity variation. The pineapple adds a subtle tang and extra moisture that complements the spices perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of baking and sharing Amish Applesauce Cake with the people you love. Every bite is filled with nostalgia and warmth, and it’s sure to become a staple at your table. Give it a try—you may just discover your new favorite comfort cake!
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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, combined with wholesome applesauce and enriched with optional nuts and raisins. Perfect for fall baking, it offers a tender crumb and warm flavors reminiscent of traditional Amish cooking, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until the batter is fully combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if you choose to include them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or pans and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Amish Applesauce Cake plain, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for added indulgence.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen.
- You can substitute part of the applesauce with crushed pineapple to add a fruity twist and extra moisture.
- For nut allergies, simply omit the nuts without affecting the overall texture significantly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
