Landscape photo of a moist Amish applesauce cake topped with raisins and walnuts, plated with soft shadows on a clean, bright surface. Vibrant colors and a modern, inviting presentation make the dessert look fresh and appetizing.
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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a moist, fragrant, and deeply spiced cake that feels like a hug from the past, the Amish applesauce cake is exactly what you’re looking for. This recipe blends the heart of traditional Amish recipes with wholesome ingredients, delivering a dessert that’s both nostalgic and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned expert, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making this delightful treat.

Amish Applesauce Cake: A Comforting Tradition

Amish communities are known for their simple, hearty, and homemade cooking. The Amish applesauce cake stands out as a classic representation of their values—using minimal processed ingredients and making the most of what’s readily available. The result is a cake that’s not just sweet but filled with raisins and walnuts, delicately balanced spices, and a crumb so tender you’ll want to bake it all the time.

Applesauce Cake and Its Old-Fashioned Appeal

The applesauce cake has long roots in American baking history. Often made during times of scarcity, it uses applesauce to add moisture and sweetness without relying heavily on butter or oil. This cake’s appeal lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it an ideal base for custom additions like chopped nuts or dried fruits.

Applesauce Cake Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this cake, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated or brown)
  • 2 large eggs (add eggs one at a time)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened homemade applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup golden raisins or regular raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How to Make Applesauce Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and Stir in Applesauce

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir in applesauce until smooth.

Step 5: Fold in the Raisins and Walnuts

Fold in chopped walnuts and raisins evenly into the batter.

Step 6: Pour the Batter and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Add Apple Cider Glaze Over the Top

To elevate the flavor, try pouring a warm apple cider caramel glaze over the top. Use a saucepan over medium heat, stir in butter, brown sugar, and apple cider. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and pour the warm glaze over the cake.

Amish Cake Recipes and Variations

You can easily transform this simple applesauce cake into a bundt cake or layer cake for special occasions. Variants include adding dried cranberries, using different spices, or switching walnuts for pecans. These easy family recipes are flexible and forgiving.

Tips for a Moist Cake and Perfect Crumb

  • Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid making the cake overly sweet.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—it helps maintain a light and fluffy crumb.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
  • Always test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Amish Recipes: Rooted in Simplicity

According to The Mennonite Cookbook, Amish cooking values tradition and resourcefulness. The applesauce cake exemplifies this mindset with minimal ingredients yielding rich flavor.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store the cake?

Store it covered at room temperature using plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well for several days.

Can I make this a bundt cake?

Yes, just make sure to grease the bundt pan well. You can also add glaze before serving.

Can I freeze the applesauce cake?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake in plastic and foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Old-Fashioned Flavor That Lasts

This recipe is often passed down through generations. Many families recall how their grandmothers made this cake all the time, stirring applesauce into the batter with care. The flavor, especially after just one bite, captures the essence of old-fashioned baking.

Walnut, Raisin, and Spice Combinations

The combination of raisins and walnuts with clove, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon results in a harmonious spice profile. According to American Spice Trade Association, these spices were once prized for their warmth and preservation qualities.

Bake Until a Toothpick Comes Out Clean

Baking times vary based on your oven. Be patient and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there are dry crumbs or moist crumbs, you’re on the right track. A fully clean toothpick means it may be slightly overdone.

Final Recipe Card

Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder
  • Ground spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove
  • Butter, sugar, eggs
  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • Vanilla extract
  • Raisins and walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line the pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Stir in applesauce.
  5. Fold in walnuts and raisins.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
  8. Pour the glaze over the top before serving (optional).

Learn More About Baking

Want to master more cakes like this one? Visit King Arthur Baking for guides on baking with all-purpose flour, testing cakes with a toothpick, and more.

Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Want to Repeat

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a treat with your coffee, this Amish applesauce cake recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s an easy, moist cake filled with flavor and heritage—a delicious reminder of why old-fashioned recipes never go out of style.

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