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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the aromatic vanilla essence and smooth applesauce into the sugar-butter mixture, stirring until the liquid components meld seamlessly with the creamy foundation.
- 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.
- Transfer the silky batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that promises uniform baking.
- 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.
- 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