If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts packed with nostalgic flavors, you are going to adore this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe. It’s a tender, moist cake that beautifully blends the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm, inviting spices and a delightful texture from nuts and raisins. Every bite offers a perfect balance of hearty and homey, making it a timeless treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a slice of something special, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable texture and rich flavor — simple staples that come together to make magic in your kitchen.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and body.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Provides moisture and a soft texture without overpowering flavor.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: Infuses natural sweetness and moistness, keeping the cake wonderfully tender.
- 1/2 cup water: Balances the batter’s consistency and keeps it from being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy feel.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings a cozy, classic autumnal note.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Offers a pleasant crunch and rich nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Brings bursts of chewy sweetness throughout each slice.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan carefully to make sure the cake bakes evenly and releases easily later on. This step is simple but essential for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your flour, sugar, and shortening first to get the dry components started. Then pour in the applesauce, water, and sprinkle in the baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture comes together into a smooth, velvety batter, bursting with hinted spice and apple goodness right from the start.
Step 3: Fold in Nuts and Raisins
Next, gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins. This step ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, so you get those delightful pops of texture and sweetness in every bite. Be careful not to overmix here, just enough to blend.
Step 4: Bake the Cake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start to fill with that irresistible cinnamon-apple aroma, making it hard to wait!
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe to cool completely in the pan. This helps it set up properly and makes it easier to slice without falling apart. Trust me, the patience here pays off big time when you bite into those perfectly moist, spiced layers.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add a few fresh apple slices or a handful of chopped nuts on top for extra charm and texture that will make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want something extra cozy, serve it alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or rich coffee to complement the warm spices and apple flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe into elegant squares or cut it into festive shapes with cookie cutters for special occasions. Layer it with cream cheese frosting or serve it as a trifle with layers of custard and fresh fruit for a creative twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you want.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in the freezer. It can last for up to three months, so you always have a delicious treat on hand when needed.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed slices, warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and softness, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine or butter for shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap shortening with an equal amount of softened butter or margarine. Butter will add a richer flavor, though the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened applesauce?
Using unsweetened applesauce helps control the sweetness level and lets the spices shine. If you only have sweetened, just reduce the sugar a little to avoid an overly sweet cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How long does Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, this cake stays moist and fresh for about three days. Refrigerating can extend this by a couple of days but might slightly dry the cake.
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is truly one of those special desserts that feels like a cozy moment captured in food form. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavors make it a joy to bake and share, with every bite reminding you of the comfort of home. I can’t wait for you to try this beloved cake and make it your own cherished classic!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert cake perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, nostalgic treat. Made with unsweetened applesauce, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and studded with raisins and nuts, this cake offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that serves well as a snack or dessert.
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). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it and then lightly flouring to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Add the shortening, unsweetened applesauce, and water to the dry mixture and stir until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out to create a uniform layer ready for baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with very few crumbs attached.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice into 12 pieces and enjoy your Amish Applesauce Cake as a delicious dessert or with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness and moisture levels.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans are recommended for the nuts but feel free to substitute based on preference or allergy considerations.
- For a more diabetic-friendly version, reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute and verify raisins quantity.
- This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an attractive presentation.
