Description
Homemade Amish applesauce cake delivers comforting spices and moist sweetness straight from Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Warm cinnamon and tender crumb invite families to gather around this nostalgic dessert with pure, simple pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-ins and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts
Glaze Ingredients (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch or 9-inch Bundt pan with grease and a light dusting of flour. Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set the mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency and appears slightly fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract and applesauce until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. If desired, introduce raisins or chopped nuts into the batter at this stage.
- Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a level surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-50 minutes, depending on pan size, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Optional glaze preparation involves whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle decoratively over the completely cooled cake.
- Serve the cake as a standalone dessert or elevate with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Swap applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for diverse flavor profiles and moisture enhancement.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Toast nuts before adding to boost their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Reduce sugar content by substituting half the granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg