This Amish applesauce cake is moist, tender, and deliciously spiced, topped off with a warm, gooey caramel glaze. Infused with traditional flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this comforting cake is a classic Amish country baking recipe. It's ideal to bake for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or an indulgent treat for the family.
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Why I'm Obsessed With This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
The first time I tried Amish applesauce cake was at a farmer's market in the village I live in. A vendor had traditional Amish recipes, and the applesauce cake immediately caught my eye. I grabbed a slice and was obsessed after my first taste. The warm blend of spices and sweet applesauce flavor won me over in a second.
Later that weekend, I was craving that one-of-a-kind cake, so I, of course, started experimenting at home. I added a caramel glaze for extra sweetness and moistness, and walnuts for a crunch, and dare I say I like this recipe better than the original one I fell in love with.
I literally haven't been able to stop making this cake since I first tried it, and I know you're going to be as obsessed as I am!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Cake:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup stewed apples (optional)
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until fluffy.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Stir in applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract; don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled—that’s normal.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Caramel Glaze
While the cake bakes, melt butter with brown sugar and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, salt, and stewed apples (if using).
Pour the warm glaze over the slightly cooled cake and allow it to set before serving. This helps the glaze thicken up and it makes for an extra moist cake.
Expert Tips To Follow
- Don't Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients just until they are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Fresh Spices: Use fresh spices for the richest flavor. I picked up my spices from the farmer's market!
- Proper Cooling: Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze soaks in perfectly without becoming soggy. This is my pro-tip for making a moist apple cake.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze seems too thick, add a teaspoon of cream or milk to thin it slightly.
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe FAQs
Can I make Amish applesauce cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor after resting, making it ideal for preparing a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
What type of applesauce is best?
Homemade or store-bought unsweetened applesauce works best. Avoid overly sweetened or flavored varieties to maintain the cake's balanced sweetness and spice.
Can I freeze Amish applesauce cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and glaze before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.
What can I substitute for nuts?
If you're allergic or simply prefer no nuts, you can substitute dried cranberries, raisins, or omit them entirely without significantly affecting the cake’s texture.
My Final Thoughts on This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
This easy Amish applesauce cake recipe offers incredible comfort and warmth in every bite. With its moist crumb, warming spices, and decadent caramel glaze, it's a classic dessert that will never go out of style. Perfect for celebrations, cozy gatherings, or simply enjoying at home, this cake is sure to become one of your go-to recipes!
More Amish Recipes to Try Next
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe I've Been Obsessed With Lately
This Amish applesauce cake is moist, tender, and deliciously spiced, topped off with a warm, gooey caramel glaze. Infused with traditional flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this comforting cake is a classic Amish country baking recipe. It's ideal to bake for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or an indulgent treat for the family.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick), softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground allspice
- 0.5 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup stewed apples (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your baking dish ready by greasing and flouring it, or simply line it with parchment paper to make removal easier later on.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all spice until everything is evenly mixed.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugars together until the texture is light and fluffy. Add the egg making sure to mix thoroughly.
4. Stir in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled at this point—it’s completely normal.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in at the end.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar and cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and stewed apples, if using.
9. Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top. Let it sit so the glaze soaks in, creating that deliciously sticky, gooey finish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 548Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 581mgCarbohydrates: 78gFiber: 2gSugar: 54gProtein: 6g
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