Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce, complemented by warm spices, nuts, and raisins. Perfectly spiced and easy to prepare, this classic cake bakes to a tender crumb and is a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, shortening, unsweetened applesauce, water, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix them thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins evenly into the batter. This adds extra texture and bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Before Serving: After baking, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This helps the cake set properly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and moisture level.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans work well as the nuts in this cake.
- If you prefer, substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This cake is delicious served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
