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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Optional Add-Ins: Fold in chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
- 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.
- 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!