If you’re longing for a dessert that’s cozy, moist, and packed with warm autumn flavors, the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake perfectly balances the natural sweetness and tender texture of applesauce with comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus the delightful crunch of nuts and bursts of raisins. It feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate, making it the perfect treat to share with family and friends or to savor with a quiet cup of tea on a crisp afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you — each element plays a crucial role in creating the beloved texture, flavor, and moistness that make the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe so special. From the warm spices to the subtle crunch, every ingredient contributes to this cake’s irresistible charm.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it holds together just right without being dense.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the applesauce.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Keeps the cake tender and moist with a soft crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient, delivering moisture and a mild fruity flavor naturally.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps combine ingredients smoothly and keeps the batter just the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that gives the cake a nice rise and light texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm, cozy spice, the hallmark of this cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle nutty warmth to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting the tender crumb of the cake.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Little pockets of sweetness that burst with flavor in every bite.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and lightly flour a 9 by 13-inch baking pan — this ensures the beloved Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe comes out cleanly with a perfect crust.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, shortening, unsweetened applesauce, water, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth and even batter. This is where those cozy spices begin to mingle, infusing the batter with their distinctive warmth.
Step 3: Add the Nuts and Raisins
Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins gently but thoroughly, ensuring every spoonful of this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe delivers a delightful mix of textures — the crunch of nuts and the chewy sweetness of raisins.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly for a uniform rise. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — tender, moist, but fully cooked through.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This waiting step lets the flavors meld and the texture fully set, making sure every piece tastes just right.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe beautifully. For an extra special touch, try whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream — they add creamy contrast to the spice-laden cake.
Side Dishes
This cozy cake pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, spiced chai, or a robust black tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of cinnamon-spiced applesauce or warm caramel sauce to compliment the cake’s rustic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the cake in charming individual slices topped with fresh apple slices or candied nuts. You can also cut into cubes for party bites, skewered with adorable little forks — a fun take on the traditional Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe that everyone will enjoy nibbling on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature. Storing it properly helps retain the soft crumb and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake well in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe back to life, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. This softens the cake and revives the spices’ aromatic magic.
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of shortening in the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe?
Yes! Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil can be substituted for shortening. They’ll keep the cake moist, though the texture might be slightly different — a bit less crumbly but still delicious.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened applesauce?
Using unsweetened applesauce allows you to control the cake’s sweetness better and maintain the balance of flavors. Sweetened applesauce might make the cake too sweet or alter the texture, so unsweetened is best for this recipe.
Can I add other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries. Each brings its own unique flavor and sweetness, adding a nice twist to the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can adapt this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe to be gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe — it’s simple, wholesome, and packed with nostalgic flavors that warm your heart from the very first bite. Whether you’re baking it to brighten a weekday or to impress a crowd, this cake never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring the natural sweetness and moisture of unsweetened applesauce, perfectly combined with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Studded with chopped nuts and raisins, this classic cake offers a tender crumb and satisfying texture, ideal for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, shortening, unsweetened applesauce, water, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add nuts and raisins: Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins evenly into the batter, making sure they are well distributed throughout.
- Prepare to bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before serving to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of vegetable oil or butter for a different flavor and texture.
- To make this cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend.
- For added moisture and flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- If you prefer, walnuts or pecans can be used as the chopped nuts.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
