There is something truly heartwarming about the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe, a classic dessert that combines tender moistness with cozy spices and just the right amount of sweetness. This traditional cake is not only a perfect way to use up homemade or store-bought applesauce but also a crowd-pleaser that carries with it a sense of simplicity and comfort. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a casual afternoon treat, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture, making it a beloved staple that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and moistness in your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe. From the spices that add warmth to the applesauce that keeps it delectably soft, every item matters.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- White sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Egg and 1 yolk: Bind the ingredients and contribute to structure.
- Applesauce (2 cups): The star ingredient that keeps the cake moist and imparts a subtle fruity flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Balances the batter’s consistency for a soft texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the base structure for the cake.
- Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise by reacting with the acidic applesauce.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift for a light crumb.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the wonderful flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a cozy spice note.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle spicy depth.
- Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the cinnamon and cloves with aromatic complexity.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Raisins (1 cup, optional): Offer bursts of sweetness and chewy texture, elevating the sweetness naturally.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is ideal for baking a cake that cooks evenly without drying out. For your pan, spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, or grease and flour a bundt pan if you’re looking for a fancier presentation. The choice of pan affects baking time slightly, so keep an eye on that!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the white and brown sugars and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps the cake’s texture stay light and tender, setting the foundation for a moist dessert.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Next, beat in the whole egg and additional yolk. The eggs provide structure while also contributing to the overall richness of the cake. Make sure they are well mixed for an even batter.
Step 4: Mix in Applesauce and Milk
Pour in the applesauce and milk, stirring to combine. These ingredients add moisture and help blend the flavors smoothly, ensuring every bite melts irresistibly on your tongue.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Mixing these dry ingredients well prevents clumps and evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents throughout the cake.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Wet
Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. This technique prevents the batter from becoming overworked and keeps the cake tender.
Step 7: Fold in Nuts and Raisins
Gently stir in the chopped nuts and optional raisins. These add texture and bursts of flavor that contrast beautifully with the soft, spiced cake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake. A 9 x 13-inch cake should bake for about 40 minutes, while a bundt pan will take closer to 55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few dry crumbs for the perfect moist cake.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or topping with your preferred frosting. This final flourish adds a touch of sweetness and an inviting appearance to your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting this cake with powdered sugar is a classic and simple touch that adds a snowy finish and subtle sweetness. For something richer, a cream cheese frosting or even a maple glaze can beautifully complement the warm spices and moist crumb.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing the comforting flavors. A cup of spiced chai or hot coffee also makes for a perfect cozy companion while you enjoy this dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try slicing the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on a rustic wooden board with nuts and apple slices for a charming fall-themed dessert spread. Alternatively, serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, allowing you to enjoy every last crumb.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s softness and enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade applesauce for this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds a fresh, natural flavor and can be customized with your own spice blend, making your cake even more special.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, both contribute differently: the baking soda reacts with the acidic applesauce for lift, while the baking powder helps provide extra rise and a lighter texture.
Can I substitute the nuts or omit them?
Feel free to swap nuts for your favorite variety or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. Just note the texture will be smoother without that crunch.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free for best results.
Does this cake keep well for several days?
Yes, Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe stays moist and flavorful for several days when stored properly, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is like inviting a piece of cozy tradition right into your kitchen. Its blend of warm spices, moist texture, and nostalgic charm make it one of those desserts you’ll turn to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how comforting a slice of this cake can be.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert bursting with warm spices and the natural sweetness of applesauce. Made with a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, plus crunchy nuts and optional raisins, it offers a delightful balance of texture and rich autumnal flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat, this classic cake is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by either spraying a 9 x 13-inch pan or greasing and flouring a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Beat in one whole egg plus one additional yolk thoroughly to the creamed mixture, which adds richness and structure.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Stir in the applesauce and milk until well combined, adding moisture and natural sweetness to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on medium-low speed until just incorporated to avoid overmixing and toughening the cake.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the chopped nuts and optional raisins gently to ensure they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake the 9 x 13-inch cake for about 40 minutes or the bundt cake for about 55 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with only a few dry crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with your favorite frosting before serving.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce for best flavor balance unless you prefer extra sweetness.
- Chopped nuts can be substituted with your favorite nuts or omitted for a nut-free version.
- Raisins are optional, but they add additional sweetness and texture.
- Ensure not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
- This cake keeps well and tastes even better the next day stored in an airtight container.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
