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
Scale
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.
