Homemade Amish Applesauce Cake

This simple Amish Applesauce Cake brings the nostalgic flavors of countryside baking right to your kitchen. I discovered this recipe while searching for ways to use up extra applesauce and it quickly became a cherished treat in our home.

I first made this cake on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my grandchildren were visiting. The house filled with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg and now they request "Grandma's apple cake" every time they visit.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect texture for this cake not too dense yet sturdy enough to hold all the flavor
• Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake its gentle rise
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provide that classic warm Amish spice profile that makes this cake so comforting
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural apple flavor without making the cake too sweet
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the applesauce look for fine granulated for best incorporation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Heat your oven to exactly 350°F. Taking time to properly grease and flour your cake pan prevents sticking. I use a light coating of butter followed by a dusting of flour tapped around all surfaces.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Thoroughly whisk together the flour baking soda baking powder cinnamon and nutmeg. This even distribution ensures your cake will have consistent flavor and texture throughout.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Blend the applesauce and sugar until fully incorporated. The sugar should begin to dissolve slightly into the applesauce creating a smooth consistency.

Create Your Batter:

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture gradually in about three additions. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your cake tough.

Bake to Perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The cake should be golden brown with slightly pulled away edges.

Cool Before Serving:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the structure to set.

Save

The cinnamon in this recipe truly makes it special. I discovered that using Ceylon cinnamon rather than the more common Cassia variety gives a more delicate flavor profile that complements the apple perfectly. My grandmother would always say that patience in mixing the batter gently was her secret to a tender crumb.

Serving Suggestions

This humble cake needs no frosting though a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch for special occasions. For an indulgent dessert serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cake pairs beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee making it perfect for impromptu gatherings.

Storage Tips

This Amish Applesauce Cake actually improves with time as the flavors meld and intensify. Store at room temperature covered with a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to a week though the texture may become slightly more dense. Individual slices freeze beautifully wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to three months.

Heritage and Tradition

The Amish community is renowned for their resourceful baking using seasonal ingredients available on their farms. This applesauce cake represents their philosophy of simple wholesome food that minimizes waste. Traditionally this cake would be made during apple harvest season when fresh applesauce was abundant. The lack of electric mixers in traditional Amish kitchens explains why this recipe works perfectly with hand mixing an approach that actually prevents overworking the batter.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you might want to reduce the granulated sugar to about 1/3 cup to prevent the cake from becoming too sweet. The unsweetened variety is recommended for better flavor balance.

→ How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The cake should also spring back slightly when touched in the center.

→ Can I add other ingredients to this cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, raisins, or diced apples make excellent additions. For texture, add about 1/2 cup of any of these ingredients to the batter before baking.

→ What size cake pan should I use?

An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan works best for this recipe. You could also use an 8x8 inch square pan with similar results.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor after a day. You can make it up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What frosting goes well with this cake?

A simple cream cheese frosting complements the spices beautifully. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a caramel glaze works wonderfully for a less sweet option.