Description
Homemade Amish applesauce cake brings warmth from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens, blending nostalgic spices with comforting sweetness. Rustic ingredients and simple techniques invite you to savor a slice of heartland comfort in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Using an electric mixer, blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and aerated. Incorporate eggs individually, then fold in applesauce until well integrated.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to eliminate potential lumps.
- Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Delicately fold raisins and nuts throughout the batter to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking. Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center.
- Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent moisture buildup.
- For optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky and pourable. Drizzle elegantly over completely cooled cake surface.
- Slice into generous portions and serve alongside a warm beverage for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Swap applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for a different flavor twist that keeps the cake moist and adds nutritional variety.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake celiac-friendly without compromising the tender texture and traditional spice profile.
- Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch, creating more depth in each delightful bite.
- Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option that maintains the cake’s rich sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg