Soft & Sweet Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe For Fall Baking

Baking brings pure joy, especially when crafting a delectable Amish applesauce cake that speaks to homestyle comfort.

Generations of traditional bakers have perfected this hearty dessert with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Spices swirl through the moist applesauce cake, creating an aromatic symphony that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Soft and tender crumbs promise a delightful experience with each forkful.

The gentle sweetness balances perfectly with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Dense yet light, this cake transforms humble ingredients into a memorable treat.

Savor every bite and share this cherished recipe with those you love.

Why Amish Applesauce Cake Is a Favorite

• Incredibly Effortless Baking: Whip up this Amish Applesauce Cake with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a delightful homemade dessert.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Enjoy this moist, spice-packed cake as a comforting snack, afternoon pick-me-up, or elegant dessert that suits multiple occasions from casual gatherings to family dinners.
• Wholesome Ingredient Magic: Packed with applesauce, warm spices, and optional nuts or raisins, this cake offers a nutritious twist on traditional desserts, delivering rich flavors and subtle sweetness.
• Quick and Stress-Free Preparation: Requiring basic pantry ingredients and simple mixing techniques, this recipe lets you create a delectable cake without complicated steps or extensive baking expertise.

What’s Inside Applesauce Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile baking staple that forms the base of the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Magical rising agents that help the cake become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring cozy flavor to the cake.

• Applesauce: A moist and sweet ingredient that adds softness to the cake.
• Butter: Creamy and rich ingredient that provides rich flavor.
• Eggs: Binding ingredients that help hold the cake together.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth to the cake.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add sweetness and moisture.
• Walnuts, Raisins: Optional mix-ins that add texture and crunch to the cake.

Bake Instructions for Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust it lightly with flour so your cake won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Set this magical blend aside for a moment.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter with white and brown sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

Drop in eggs one by one, stirring after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and applesauce, blending everything into a smooth symphony.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Worlds

Slowly fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Want extra texture?

Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or plump raisins.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Slide it into the warm oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Rich and Moist Cake

• Use unsweetened, thick applesauce to prevent a soggy cake texture without compromising flavor depth.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or skip nuts entirely for a kid-friendly version that maintains the cake's delightful crunch.
• Boost cinnamon and nutmeg amounts by 25% for a more robust, warming flavor profile that highlights the cake's Amish roots.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and use dairy-free butter alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
• Let the cake rest exactly 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack, ensuring a clean release and preventing potential structural breakdown.

Store and Reheat Applesauce Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or placed in a sealed container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If serving within 1-2 days, leave the cake covered at room temperature in a cake dome or container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and softness.
• Wrap cake slices separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tasty Matches for Applesauce Cake

• Pair with Warm Cider Embrace: Serve a steaming mug of fresh apple cider alongside the cake to enhance the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy autumn flavor experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the cake's warm, dense crumb.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle Delight: Drizzle rich, golden caramel sauce over each slice to elevate the cake's natural apple and brown sugar undertones, adding a luxurious sweetness.
• Enhance with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl: Spread a light layer of tangy cream cheese frosting on top, which cuts through the cake's richness and provides a smooth, silky finish.

Applesauce Cake Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk as a moisture enhancer.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content by adding extra applesauce for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and select non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to create a lactose-free cake that maintains rich, moist texture.

FAQs

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but use 3/4 cup whole wheat flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour to maintain the cake’s texture.

• Is it okay to skip the nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! The cake tastes great with or without nuts and raisins. If you prefer, you can leave them out or replace with chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with Amish Applesauce Cake, a comforting dessert that whispers tales of pastoral simplicity. Moist crumb and warm spices invite you to savor a slice of heartland tradition in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) nutmeg

Sugars and Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) applesauce
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or raisins

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even heat distribution. Coat a circular or square baking vessel with a thin layer of grease and a delicate dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing container, thoroughly combine the powdery dry ingredients – ground flour, alkaline agents, warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg – creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.
3. Within a spacious mixing bowl, cream the butter with both granulated and caramel-like brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a voluminous, airy consistency. Introduce eggs individually, whisking each one completely into the creamy base.
4. Incorporate the aromatic vanilla essence and smooth applesauce into the sugar-butter mixture, stirring until the liquid components meld seamlessly with the creamy foundation.
5. Gently fold the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the moist ingredients, maintaining a light touch to preserve the cake’s delicate structure. If desired, gently integrate chopped walnuts or sweet raisins throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that promises uniform baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the cake to bake until a slender wooden tester emerges completely clean when inserted into the center – approximately 30-35 minutes.
8. Once baked, allow the cake to rest within the pan for a brief cooling period, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before serving.

Notes

• Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds to add different nutty flavor profiles and accommodate nut preferences.
• Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing some granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, healthier version of the cake.
• Create dairy-free option by using coconut oil instead of butter and ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg