If you are craving a comforting dessert that combines warmth, spice, and a touch of natural sweetness, this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to try. This delightful cake is packed with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, tender applesauce, and the perfect chewy surprise from raisins and nuts. It’s an old-fashioned recipe with simple ingredients that come together in a moist, flavorful cake you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe brings an inviting homemade charm to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building the perfect texture and taste. Every item is thoughtfully chosen to strike a balance between spice, sweetness, and moisture, making this cake both delicious and easy to prepare.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure and softness.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetness that enhances the fruity applesauce and spices.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Adds moisture and tenderness, creating a lovely crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: Provides natural sweetness and keeps the cake moist without extra fat.
- 1/2 cup water: Balances the batter and helps dissolve the baking soda.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a light, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that defines the cake’s comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice that deepens the aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Brings crunch and a touch of earthiness—walnuts or pecans work beautifully.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Little bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the applesauce perfectly.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oven hot and ready so your cake cooks evenly. While the oven warms, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. This step helps the cake release easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, shortening, applesauce, water, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything until you have a smooth, consistent batter. This mixture is the heart of the Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe, and mixing it well ensures all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Raisins
Once your batter is smooth, gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins. These add texture and surprise in every bite, so be sure they are evenly distributed to guarantee delightful pockets of flavor throughout the cake.
Step 4: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Transfer your luscious batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This step makes sure your cake cooks uniformly and has a neat, inviting appearance once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times might vary, so keep an eye on it toward the end and enjoy the warm aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Allow your cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This resting time helps it set, making for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable eating experience. Patience here truly pays off!
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze of vanilla icing complements the spices and applesauce perfectly. For a bit more flair, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or add a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small serving of fresh fruit salad. These sides add freshness and balance to the sweet, spiced cake, making every bite feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this comforting cake into a dessert centerpiece by serving it layered with cream cheese frosting or cut into small squares and arranged on a festive platter for parties. You can also serve slices warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist that’s sure to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about a week to keep it fresh and moist. Proper storage prevents the cake from drying out and preserves its tender crumb.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover cake slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven to revive that freshly baked feeling. This makes it taste freshly made with cozy warmth, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
FAQs
Can I use oil instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil for shortening. The texture might be slightly different—oil gives a denser crumb while shortening creates a lighter, fluffier cake—but the cake will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce is best because it lets you control the sweetness of the cake more precisely. Using sweetened varieties might make the cake overly sugary, altering the balance of flavors.
Can I add other dried fruits besides raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots can be great alternatives or additions to raisins. Just make sure they are chopped into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s structure.
What’s the best way to serve this cake for breakfast?
This cake is lovely for breakfast when topped with a smear of butter or cream cheese and served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its natural sweetness and moist texture make it a comforting morning treat.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is a true treasure, blending simple ingredients into a richly flavored cake that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s incredibly easy to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find a new favorite to keep coming back to again and again!
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
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful treat packed with warm spices, applesauce, and studded with nuts and raisins. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.
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
- Prepare the oven and pan: 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 flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the shortening, unsweetened applesauce, and water. Mix everything together thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add nuts and raisins: Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into the pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans work best as nuts, but you can use your favorite nuts.
- To enhance the cake’s flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
