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Homemade Amish applesauce cake on rustic table, captured with a vintage camera.
Josefine Balker

Amish Applesauce Cake

This moist, tender cake made with applesauce, warm spices, and crunchy nuts is a nostalgic dessert inspired by Amish tradition. Perfectly spiced and naturally moist, it's a comforting treat ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Amish
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter-flavored Crisco
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
Add-ins
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Electric mixer
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the Crisco, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped nuts.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. For added indulgence, try with caramel drizzle or cream cheese frosting. Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze slices up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Potassium: 140 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 28 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Vitamin A: 90 IU
  • Vitamin C: 1 mg
  • Calcium: 50 mg
  • Iron: 1.5 mg