Amish applesauce cake has been a beloved treat in my family for generations. I remember my grandmother baking this cake every fall, filling our kitchen with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s a simple, honest dessert that truly embodies comfort food. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a taste of tradition, a slice of nostalgia that feels like a warm hug. I’ve found that this particular Amish applesauce cake recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Let’s get this delicious cake baking!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake
This isn’t just another cake; it’s a trip down memory lane! Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Incredibly moist and tender crumb thanks to the applesauce.
- Warm, comforting spices that fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
- It’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
- This old fashioned applesauce cake Amish style is a true taste of tradition.
- The simple vanilla glaze adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert, making entertaining a breeze.
- The nostalgic flavors of this old fashioned applesauce cake Amish style bring back cherished memories.
- A wholesome and satisfying treat that feels like a warm hug in a slice.
Ingredients for Your Amish Applesauce Cake
Gathering the right Amish applesauce cake ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting dessert. You’ll find these items are likely already in your pantry!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- ½ cup brown sugar – adds moisture and a slight caramel note
- 1 tsp cinnamon – the star spice for that classic flavor
- ½ tsp nutmeg – complements the cinnamon beautifully
- ½ tsp cloves – a little goes a long way for warmth
- 1 tsp baking soda – our leavening agent
- ½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 ½ cups applesauce – this is key! It provides moisture and tenderness, making it the star of this Amish applesauce cake recipe
- ½ cup butter, melted – adds richness
- 2 eggs – helps bind everything together
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) – for a little crunch
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for a smooth, sweet topping
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream – to achieve the right glaze consistency
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma to the glaze
How to Make the Best Amish Applesauce Cake
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or for easier removal, line it with parchment paper. A well-prepped pan ensures your beautiful cake comes out in one piece.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine all the dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them well ensures an even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the cake batter.
- Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, bring together the wet ingredients. Combine the applesauce, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This step is key to infusing that wonderful moisture and aroma.
- Step 4: Now for the magic! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until *just* combined. It’s really important not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want this Amish applesauce cake recipe to be tender. If you’re adding them, gently fold in the chopped nuts now.
- Step 5: Carefully spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. You want a nice, smooth surface for an even bake. This is where the real transformation begins as we learn how to make Amish applesauce cake.
- Step 6: Bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine – a true sign your homemade Amish applesauce cake is almost ready to enjoy!
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here; trying to glaze a warm cake will result in a melted mess.
- Step 8: While the cake cools, prepare the simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Add a tiny bit more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Step 9: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoying your perfectly baked Amish spiced applesauce cake is the best part!
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Amish Applesauce Cake
Want to make sure your cake is absolutely perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference for this classic treat. Follow these simple tips for a truly memorable bake!
- Always use unsweetened applesauce. This gives you more control over the cake’s sweetness and ensures the spices shine through without being cloying.
- Don’t overmix the batter! I can’t stress this enough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until no dry flour streaks remain. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake instead of a tender one.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing. Trying to glaze a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and slide right off, leaving you with a messy, uneven finish.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter. It brightens up the spices beautifully.
What’s the secret to a perfectly moist Amish Applesauce Cake?
The magic is in the applesauce! It acts as a natural moisturizer, keeping the cake incredibly tender and moist. Using unsweetened applesauce and avoiding overmixing are crucial for achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your homemade Amish applesauce cake.
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is fantastic for make-ahead baking. You can bake it up to two days in advance and store it, unglazed, at room temperature. Once glazed, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these dessert recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Amish Applesauce Cake?
The biggest pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to a dry, dense cake. Also, be sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off. Finally, use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues; for instance, learning about ingredient functions can be very insightful.
Serving Suggestions for Amish Applesauce Cake
This delightful Amish applesauce cake is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a simple yet satisfying treat, enjoy a slice on its own with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect as a light breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re looking to elevate it for a special occasion, consider serving it warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a truly decadent experience, a drizzle of caramel sauce complements the warm spices wonderfully. This makes it an ideal Amish dessert applesauce cake for any gathering or a cozy evening at home.
Nutrition Facts for Amish Applesauce Cake
This comforting cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and is a satisfying treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
How to Store and Reheat Amish Applesauce Cake
Proper storage ensures your delicious Amish applesauce cake stays fresh and moist, just like it came straight from an Amish kitchen. Once your cake has completely cooled, which is crucial for preventing condensation and sogginess, it’s ready for storage. For short-term keeping, you can store the unglazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve glazed it, it’s best to refrigerate it and consume it within 4-5 days. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the frozen cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can then gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Applesauce Cake
What is Amish Applesauce Cake?
Amish Applesauce Cake is a traditional, deeply spiced cake that gets its incredible moisture and tender crumb from applesauce. It’s a staple in Amish communities, known for its comforting flavors and simple preparation. Often topped with a sweet glaze, it’s a testament to the delicious, wholesome baking found in the Amish kitchen, embodying a true slice of comfort food.
Can I use chunky applesauce in my Amish cake?
While you can technically use chunky applesauce, I highly recommend sticking with smooth, unsweetened applesauce for the best texture in your Amish spiced applesauce cake. Chunky applesauce can sometimes create uneven pockets and affect the overall tenderness of the cake, which is a hallmark of an authentic old fashioned applesauce cake Amish style.
How do I make this cake vegan?
Making a vegan version of this Amish dessert applesauce cake is quite simple! You’ll need to swap out the eggs and butter. For the eggs, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. Replace the melted butter with a plant-based butter alternative or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. The result is still a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake.
What are the best nuts to use in Amish Applesauce Cake?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for this homemade Amish applesauce cake, as their earthy flavors complement the warm spices beautifully. If you don’t have those on hand, almonds or even chopped hazelnuts can work. For a different twist, you could also try adding raisins or dried cranberries along with or instead of the nuts for a touch of chewiness and tartness.
Delicious Variations of Amish Applesauce Cake
While the classic recipe is divine, you can easily adapt this Amish applesauce cake to suit your preferences or dietary needs. I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things exciting!
- Dietary Swap: For a vegan version, simply swap the eggs for flax eggs and the butter for a plant-based butter or oil. You’ll still achieve a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect as an Amish dessert applesauce cake.
- Flavor Boost: Amp up the spice by adding a tablespoon of finely chopped candied ginger or a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients. This creates a richer, more complex profile for your Amish cinnamon applesauce cake.
- Glaze Alternatives: Instead of the simple vanilla glaze, try a cream cheese frosting or a caramel drizzle for an extra decadent touch. A maple glaze also pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Baking Method: If you don’t have a 9×13 pan, this cake bakes beautifully in a bundt pan or as cupcakes! Adjust baking times accordingly – cupcakes will be closer to 20-25 minutes, and a bundt pan might take 50-60 minutes.
Amish Applesauce Cake: 1 Moistest Cozy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and moist cake made with applesauce and warm spices, topped with a simple vanilla glaze. This Amish Applesauce Cake is a timeless classic that brings warmth to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
- For an egg-free version, substitute with flax eggs.
- Nuts are optional; you can substitute with raisins, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For make-ahead, freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: N/A