If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert with a nostalgic twist, the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is just what you need. This delightful cake is a perfect harmony of softly spiced flavors and moist texture, thanks to the magic of applesauce and classic warm spices. It’s a cherished Amish dessert that brings old-fashioned charm to your table, offering a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on humble, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a cake bursting with flavor and moisture. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing warmth, sweetness, or a tender crumb to every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to the cake without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices in the cake.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds classic warm spice flavor, a signature in this cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a subtle hint of depth and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Infuses a cozy fragrance that complements the applesauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and buttery flavor for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without making it too heavy.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds molasses notes and helps keep the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the cake’s lift.
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that brings moisture and a perfectly subtle apple taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional): Introduces texture and a bit of chew or crunch, depending on your preference.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it will be ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. This preparation step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases smoothly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, creating a perfect foundation for the cake’s flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps create that famous tender crumb typical of the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Applesauce
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce, which brings natural sweetness and moisture to the cake without overpowering it.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender and soft. This is where your cake batter starts to come together beautifully.
Step 6: Fold in Optional Raisins or Nuts
For added texture and flavor, gently fold in your choice of raisins or chopped nuts. These mix-ins give each bite an extra layer of excitement and an occasional burst of chewiness or crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Cooling helps the spices and applesauce meld together into a wonderfully cohesive flavor.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream turns your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe into a stunning dessert centerpiece. For a richer experience, consider cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. These simple additions elevate the cake’s natural flavors splendidly.
Side Dishes
Serve your cake alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or a bold coffee to balance its sweetness. During colder months, pairing it with warm apple cider or even vanilla ice cream can turn this humble cake into a cozy celebration on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, cut the cake into neat squares and serve on a rustic wooden board adorned with fresh apples or cinnamon sticks. You can also layer slices with whipped cream and caramel drizzle to craft an easy trifle that showcases the apple cake in an inviting, interactive way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe actually tastes better after resting for a day or two, so storing leftovers covered tightly at room temperature or in the fridge is ideal. This resting time allows the spices and applesauce to deepen, resulting in a more moist, flavorful cake.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and finish warming it gently, if desired. Freezing is a great option for making this cake ahead of busy holidays or gatherings.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feeling, warm slices of the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped loosely with foil. This gentle reheating brings back the cake’s tender texture and awakens the lovely spices that make it such a nostalgic treat.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
While unsweetened applesauce is preferred to control the sugar levels, using sweetened applesauce will make the cake sweeter and slightly change the texture, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic choices, adding a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake and warm spices beautifully.
Is this cake gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure and expect slight differences in texture.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can swap the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and the cake will still turn out moist and tasty while catering to dietary restrictions.
How long does the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe last?
When stored properly, this cake will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days at room temperature and up to a week when refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe – it’s not just a cake, but a nostalgic journey back to simpler, cozy times. Whether you’re serving it as a family dessert or sharing it with friends, this cake spreads comfort and love in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Made with unsweetened applesauce and optional raisins or nuts, it’s a comforting old-fashioned cake perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, spiced treat. The cake is easy to prepare and bakes into a tender, aromatic delight that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 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 raisins or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air and helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla extract followed by the unsweetened applesauce, blending until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using raisins or chopped nuts, fold them carefully into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
- For a richer dessert, add a layer of cream cheese frosting or drizzle a simple glaze on top.
- Raisins can be substituted with chopped nuts or omitted based on preference or dietary needs.
