Oh my goodness, get ready for a hug in cake form! This **Amish Applesauce Cake** is one of those recipes that just feels *right*. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and it smells absolutely incredible while it’s baking. Honestly, it reminds me of being wrapped up in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn day, even if I make it in the middle of summer!
I first stumbled upon something like this years ago at a little country market, and I just *had* to figure out how to make it at home. It took some tinkering, a few slightly sunken cakes (oops!), but I finally landed on a version that I think captures that same humble, delicious spirit. It’s not fancy, there’s no need for a million different bowls, but the flavor? Oh, the flavor is just spot on. It’s the kind of cake you want to share with people you love, over a cup of coffee, just chatting away. It’s truly a classic for a reason, and this Amish Applesauce Cake is now a total staple in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake
Okay, so why THIS **Amish Applesauce Cake**? Because it’s just GOOD. Like, really, really good. It’s got that perfect moist texture thanks to the applesauce, a warm hug of spices that makes your kitchen smell amazing, and honestly, it’s SO easy to throw together. No complicated steps, just simple ingredients coming together for something truly special. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade in the very best way.
- Crazy moist crumb – no dry cake here!
- Spices that just sing – cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, oh my!
- Ridiculously easy to make, even for beginners.
- Pure, simple, comforting goodness.
The Simple Charm of This Amish Applesauce Cake
There’s something so lovely about a recipe that doesn’t try too hard, you know? This **Amish Applesauce Cake** is exactly that. It’s humble, it’s honest, and it lets the simple flavors shine. It’s the kind of cake your grandma probably made, maybe without even looking at a recipe card. That no-fuss, traditional approach is part of its magic. It feels like a little piece of history in every bite.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Amish Applesauce Cake
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You don’t need anything fancy for this **Amish Applesauce Cake**, just good old pantry staples. You’ll want 1 cup of your favorite applesauce (I love using unsweetened, but whatever you have works!), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of shortening. For the dry stuff, grab 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a good 1/2 teaspoon of salt. And then come the spices! You’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. If you’re feeling adventurous, totally add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are classic!) and 1/2 cup of raisins. Trust me, they add such a lovely texture and chew!
Essential Spices for Amish Applesauce Cake Flavor
These spices are the heart and soul of this **Amish Applesauce Cake**! That cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness, while the cloves and nutmeg add those deeper, cozy notes. It’s like they all team up to create that irresistible “fall” feeling, no matter the season. They complement the applesauce perfectly, making each bite a comforting burst of flavor. Don’t skimp on these; they make *all* the difference!
Equipment Needed to Bake Amish Applesauce Cake
You really don’t need much to whip up this **Amish Applesauce Cake**, which is another reason I love it! You’ll definitely need a good-sized mixing bowl (or two!), some measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk or fork for combining the dry bits. A wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula works great for mixing the batter by hand. And of course, you’ll need your trusty 9×13 inch baking pan – it’s the perfect size for this recipe!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Okay, let’s get baking! This **Amish Applesauce Cake** comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious cake ready to go. It’s really straightforward, promise!
Preparing Your Pan for Amish Applesauce Cake
First things first, get your pan ready. You’ll want a 9×13 inch baking pan. Give it a good grease all over – I usually use butter or shortening for this. Then, sprinkle some flour in there and tilt the pan around to coat everything. Tap out any extra flour. This little step is key to making sure your beautiful **Amish Applesauce Cake** doesn’t stick!
Mixing the Batter for Your Amish Applesauce Cake
Grab your big bowl! We’re going to start with the wet stuff. Cream together the applesauce, sugar, and shortening until it looks nice and fluffy. Don’t rush this part; you want it well combined. In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Now, we’re going to gradually add the dry mix into the wet, mixing just until everything is combined. Seriously, stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender **Amish Applesauce Cake**! If you’re adding nuts and raisins, gently fold them in now.
Baking Your Amish Applesauce Cake to Perfection
Pour that lovely batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top out. Pop it into your oven, which should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’ll need about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know your **Amish Applesauce Cake** is done when you can stick a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center and it comes out clean. Let it hang out in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!
Tips for the Perfect Amish Applesauce Cake Every Time
Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few little tricks I use to make sure my **Amish Applesauce Cake** turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, try to use room temperature ingredients, especially that shortening. It creams so much better with the sugar and applesauce! And seriously, I know I said it before, but do NOT overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until no dry streaks remain, even if there are a few tiny lumps – that’s okay! Lastly, let it cool in the pan for that crucial 10 minutes before turning it out. It helps it set up and prevents it from breaking. Simple tips, but they make a big difference!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Amish Applesauce Cake
This **Amish Applesauce Cake** is fantastic on its own, but you can totally play around with it! If you skipped the nuts and raisins, try adding some dried cranberries for a little tartness, or maybe even some chocolate chips for a decadent twist (though that’s not very “Amish,” shhh!). A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and lovely. Or, whip up a quick cream cheese glaze – just cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a tiny bit of milk until it’s drizzly. It’s amazing! This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or even warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Common Questions About Amish Applesauce Cake
Got a question about this **Amish Applesauce Cake**? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked myself the same thing! Here are a few common ones folks ask about making this delicious cake.
Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Absolutely! Butter will give it a slightly different flavor, maybe a touch richer, but it works just fine. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams well.
Q: How should I store leftover cake?
If there are any leftovers (a big IF!), wrap the cooled **Amish Applesauce Cake** tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist for a few days, but honestly, it usually disappears before then!
Q: My cake sank in the middle, what happened?
Oh no! That can happen for a few reasons. It might have been underbaked (make sure that skewer comes out clean!), or maybe you opened the oven door too early. Sometimes overmixing the batter can cause it too. Try baking it a little longer next time and resist peeking too much!
Q: Can I use chunky applesauce?
Yep! Chunky applesauce is totally fine and will just add little bits of apple texture throughout the cake, which is actually really nice! Just make sure it’s not *too* chunky.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Amish Applesauce Cake
Okay, for those who like to keep track, here’s a little peek at the estimated nutrition for a slice of this **Amish Applesauce Cake**. Just remember, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use (like if you add nuts or raisins, or what kind of applesauce you pick!). It’s just a general idea, alright?
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Around 350
- Fat: About 15g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 50g
- Protein: About 4g
Share Your Amish Applesauce Cake Creation
Okay, now it’s your turn! I would absolutely LOVE to hear how your **Amish Applesauce Cake** turns out. Did you add nuts? Glaze it? Just dust it with sugar? Let me know in the comments below! And if you loved it as much as I do, please consider leaving a rating!
Print
Warm Amish Applesauce Cake, 1 Cozy Bite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and flavorful applesauce cake based on a traditional Amish recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the applesauce, sugar, and shortening until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade applesauce.
- You can substitute butter for the shortening.
- Add a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar once cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, Amish cake, spiced cake, dessert, baked goods