If you’re in the mood for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the past, the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake beautifully balances cozy spices, tender applesauce, and optional bursts of nuts and raisins, making every bite moist, flavorful, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this classic recipe brings tradition and simple goodness together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in creating its signature moist texture and warmly spiced flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the applesauce adding natural sweetness and moisture or the cinnamon and nutmeg infusing cozy aroma and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce: This is the heart of the cake, providing moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness without any added fat.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural tartness of applesauce and sweetens the cake perfectly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake tender and soft.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to that perfect cake crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of the cake, giving it body and a wonderfully soft bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake, helping it rise beautifully while keeping it dense enough.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the cake its signature warm, spicy kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet nuance that lifts the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Introduces delightful crunch and earthy undertones.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Adds chewy texture and bursts of natural sweetness.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This is where the natural moisture and sweetness come together, preparing a rich base for your cake batter.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry components well ensures that the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, so your cake stays tender and light instead of dense and tough.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional)
If you’re including the walnuts or pecans and raisins, now is the time to fold them in. This step adds texture and extra flavor notes, making each slice even more enjoyable.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Optional Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract over the top once cooled.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top instantly elevates the presentation and adds a pretty, delicate finish. You can also place a few whole nuts or fresh apple slices around the plate for a rustic look that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a side of creamy yogurt. These accompaniments complement the sweet spices while adding a cool contrast to the warm cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe layered with cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist. Or, cut it into smaller squares to serve at brunch with a selection of fruit preserves and fresh berries. It’s simple to decorate but always impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the cake moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive the moist texture and enhance the spiced aroma. You can also heat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes for a slightly crisp outer layer.
FAQs
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, and your cake should turn out just as delicious and moist.
Is it necessary to add nuts or raisins?
Not at all. The nuts and raisins provide additional texture and flavor, but the cake remains tasty and moist even without them, so feel free to skip if you prefer.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe will keep fresh for up to a week in the fridge and about 2 to 3 days at room temperature.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, and use oil as the fat source. Keep in mind baking may need a little adjustment, but it can be done successfully!
What’s the best way to cut the cake for serving?
Wait until the cake is completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling. Use a sharp knife and cut into squares or rectangles depending on your serving needs for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a cozy kitchen moment in every bite, this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is your winner. It’s lovable, straightforward, and has that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that makes it a timeless favorite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with applesauce, warm spices, and optional nuts and raisins, it offers a deliciously tender texture and comforting flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Optional Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in optional ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Optional glaze: If desired, prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a bit of vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Raisins add sweetness and texture but can be excluded if preferred.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch to the cake.
- This cake stores well and tastes great the next day as the flavors deepen.
