Description
A moist and delicious Amish Applesauce Cake with a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a comforting treat any time of year!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes on medium speed).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the applesauce to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in raisins and/or nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the brown sugar glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the milk and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved (2-3 minutes).
- Once the brown sugar is dissolved, let the mixture simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top.
- Let the glaze set completely before cutting and serving (30 minutes to an hour).
Notes
- Using room temperature butter and eggs is crucial for creating a smooth and emulsified batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.
- Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in the cake or glaze.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different spices or fruits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes