This Amish Applesauce Cake is a wonderfully moist, spiced cake that brings together the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dessert or a nostalgic treat, this cake is sure to delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of applesauce and warm spices creates a wonderfully aromatic cake.
- Moist and Tender: Applesauce keeps this cake soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up.
- Versatile: Whether you serve it with a glaze or enjoy it plain, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and applesauce.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If desired, fold in raisins and nuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Variations
- Glazed Cake: For added sweetness, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a bolder spice profile.
- Fruit and Nut Mix: Add diced apples, dried cranberries, or pecans for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
- Whole Wheat: For a heartier cake, swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
- Bundt Cake: Bake this recipe in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake 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 microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use sweetened applesauce? Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to avoid making the cake too sweet.
- What can I use instead of butter? Substitute with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
- Can I bake this as muffins? Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Can I add frosting to this cake? Yes! Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.
Conclusion
Amish Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert that’s both simple and delicious. With its moist texture, warm spices, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy any time of year. Whether you keep it plain or top it with a glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!