Amish applesauce cake is a traditional, spiced dessert that has been passed down through generations.
The moist cake, made with applesauce, is enhanced by a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich, flavorful spices makes this cake a beloved comfort food.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner, Amish applesauce cake never fails to impress with its delicious taste and cozy aroma.
It's a great cake to bake ahead of time since the flavor improves as it sits, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the applesauce, this cake stays moist and tender even after days of baking.
- Warm Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a comforting, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for any season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is beginner-friendly and comes together in no time.
- Versatile: It's a great dessert but also doubles as a snack or breakfast cake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after a day or two, making it ideal for meal prepping or baking ahead for special events.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins
Directions:
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or a whisk.
- Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using walnuts or raisins, fold them into the batter at this point.
- Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations:
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy butter substitute.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
- Cranberry Applesauce Cake: Add ½ cup of fresh or dried cranberries to the batter for a tart contrast to the sweet applesauce.
- Caramel Glaze: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple caramel glaze to elevate the flavor and make it more indulgent for special occasions.
Serving and Storage
Serving:
Serve the Amish applesauce cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a comforting treat any time of day.
Storage:
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense, heavy cake. Mix just until combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg, depending on your preference. Add more if you love spices!
- Add-ins: If you want a twist, try adding chopped apples, walnuts, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
Yes, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to avoid making the cake too sweet.
You can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a more rustic texture and flavor.
Top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, or add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Yes, this cake actually tastes better after a day or two. It’s perfect for baking ahead for events or gatherings.
Amish applesauce cake is a deliciously simple and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its warm spices, moist texture, and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re baking it for a special event, a holiday gathering, or just as a sweet snack, Amish applesauce cake delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
With its versatility and make-ahead convenience, you’ll find yourself baking this cake time and again.
Enjoy the cozy flavors and share the love with everyone you serve it to!
AMISH APPLESAUCE CAKE
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square baking pan or an 8-inch round pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the nuts and raisins.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Amish Applesauce Cake can be made ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a unique twist. Use applesauce with cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake on its own or drizzle with a simple glaze or frosting. It's delicious with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
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