Amish Applesauce Cake

Amish applesauce cake is a moist, spiced cake bursting with the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This old-fashioned recipe is a delightful dessert for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Flavor: Warm spices and applesauce create a deeply flavorful and aromatic cake.
  • Moist and Tender: The applesauce ensures every bite is soft and delicious.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat or a midweek dessert, this cake always shines.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Unsalted butter, melted
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt
  • Optional: Chopped nuts, raisins, or a glaze for topping

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Optional Add-Ins: Fold in chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing or glazing.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

  • Glazed Cake: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
  • Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a bolder spice blend.
  • Fruit and Nut Mix: Fold in diced apples, dried cranberries, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
  • Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cake.
  • Bundt Cake: Bake in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet cake.

What can I use instead of butter?

Substitute melted butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results.

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Measure your flour carefully and don’t overbake. The applesauce naturally helps keep the cake moist.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors.

Can I bake this as muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.

What nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts or pecans are excellent choices, but any nut will work depending on your preference.

How do I make the glaze?

Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?

Yes, replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

Can I serve this cake warm?

Yes, it’s delicious served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion

Amish applesauce cake is a timeless dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its moist texture, rich spices, and easy preparation, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with glaze, or paired with a warm beverage, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Bake it today and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness!

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