“Have you ever craved the comforting vibes of a family kitchen, where the scent of rich spices dances through the air? That’s exactly what my Omas Apfelmuskuchen vom Blech embodies—a nostalgic slice of warmth from my childhood. This easy applesauce cake is a delightful blend of tender shortcrust pastry and homemade applesauce, delicately spiced with cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, it comes together quickly and easily, making it a go-to recipe for both busy weekdays and weekend gatherings. Plus, its flavor deepens that magical next day, allowing you to savor the joy even longer. Are you ready to bake a delicious slice of tradition into your home?”
Why is this applesauce cake so special?
Nostalgic Flavors: This cake is crafted from cherished family traditions, bringing warmth to any gathering.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, even beginners can create this delightful dessert in no time.
Delightfully Moist: Thanks to the luscious applesauce, each slice is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this cake is sure to win hearts and compliments.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with nuts or different spices, making it a cake you’ll want to make again and again.
Next Day Delight: It tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert! Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat! If you love family-friendly recipes, check out my Healthy Carrot Cake too!
Applesauce Cake Ingredients
• To whip up your easy applesauce cake, gather these essentials!
For the Shortcrust Pastry
- Flour – A sturdy base for your cake; feel free to substitute with spelt or gluten-free flour.
- Butter – Provides that tender texture; room temperature butter helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Sugar – Sweetens your pastry; brown sugar can lend a luscious caramel flavor.
- Vanilla Sugar – Adds a lovely hint of vanilla; you can swap it out for vanilla extract if needed.
- Baking Powder – Ensures your pastry rises beautifully; feel free to use it without pre-baking.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of your cake.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and creates a smooth texture.
For the Applesauce Filling
- Apples – The star of the show! Choose tart varieties like Boskoop or Elstar for the best sweet-tart balance.
- Lemon Juice – Prevents browning of your apples; it contributes a refreshing zest.
- Sugar – Adjust depending on the sweetness of your apples to get the perfect flavor.
- Cinnamon – Infuses your applesauce with that warm, nostalgic flavor.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – For a sweet finishing touch; mix with lemon juice for a smooth glaze.
- Lemon Juice – Enhances the glaze’s flavor; adjust to taste for your perfect sweetness.
With these applesauce cake ingredients at hand, you’re all set to create a beloved family treat that resonates with warm memories and simple pleasures!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Applesauce
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces, then place them in a pot with a splash of water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes until the apples are tender and easily mashable. Stir in sugar and cinnamon, and puree if you prefer a smoother texture. Set aside to cool; this homemade applesauce is the heart of your delightful applesauce cake.
Step 2: Mix the Shortcrust Pastry
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. After about 5 minutes of mixing, add the egg and knead until the dough is soft and pliable, which will serve as the healthy foundation for your applesauce cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Press about two-thirds of the shortcrust pastry evenly into the bottom of the tray, creating a solid base. Make sure to smooth the surface so it’s ready for the luscious filling, ensuring every bite of your applesauce cake has a delightful balance of flavors.
Step 4: Spread the Applesauce
Once the applesauce has cooled slightly, pour it onto the prepared pastry layer, spreading it evenly from corner to corner. This beautiful layer of applesauce is where the magic happens, infusing every slice with moistness and flavor. Take care to distribute it well, as this will make your applesauce cake irresistibly juicy.
Step 5: Roll and Place the Pastry Lid
Roll out the remaining pastry on a lightly floured surface into an even sheet, making sure it’s large enough to cover the applesauce. Gently place the rolled-out pastry over the applesauce filling, tucking in the edges to seal it in. This top layer will bake to a golden brown, providing a perfect contrasting texture to the moist filling of your applesauce cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and place the baking tray in the center once heated. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it, and if the edges begin to brown too much, cover them with aluminum foil. The aroma wafting from the oven will be absolutely inviting as your applesauce cake bakes.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. You want a pourable consistency that can enhance your applesauce cake. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a lighter touch, then set aside for the finishing touch.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Once the applesauce cake has cooled for a few minutes in the tray, remove it using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly for added moisture. This sweet finish will not only enhance flavors but also make your cake visually gorgeous!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack before slicing, which should take about 20–30 minutes. Serve your delicious applesauce cake at room temperature, and watch as your family digs in, enjoying the nostalgia and warmth that only a comforting homemade dessert can bring!
How to Store and Freeze Applesauce Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the applesauce cake wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer: This cake freezes beautifully! Slice it and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Applesauce Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to bring your own touch to this delightful applesauce cake, crafting a version that’s uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for everyone.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the applesauce filling for a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
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Fruit Fusion: Combine apples with pear or even berries for a burst of unexpected fresh flavors in your cake.
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Spice It Up: Swap cinnamon for a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to create a warm-spiced variation that’s equally comforting.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk to achieve a vegan version of this scrumptious dessert.
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Zesty Twist: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the applesauce for a zesty lift that brightens the overall taste.
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More Sweetness: Experiment with a swirl of caramel sauce in the applesauce layer for an extra indulgent treat.
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Serving Ideas: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. If you crave more sweet options, don’t miss my Moist Chantilly Cake or explore delightful additions like Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon!
Make Ahead Options
This applesauce cake is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the applesauce up to 3 days in advance; simply cook the apples, add sugar and cinnamon, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can make the shortcrust pastry dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just wrap it tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the dough into your baking tray, add the chilled applesauce, cover with pastry, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious and moist as when made fresh, without the last-minute rush!
Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake
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Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Boskoop or Elstar create the perfect sweet-tart balance for your applesauce cake.
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Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: This not only prevents browning but also brightens the flavor of the apples, enhancing your cake’s overall taste.
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Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve that smooth, tender shortcrust pastry consistency essential for your cake.
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Check for Doneness: Bake until the top is golden brown—time may vary based on your oven. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
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Let It Cool: Allow your cakes to cool completely before adding the glaze, ensuring it sets beautifully rather than melting off.
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Serve Warm for Maximum Enjoyment: Applesauce cake tastes delightful at room temperature but offering it warm creates a cozy, comforting experience for everyone!
What to Serve with Omas Apfelmuskuchen vom Blech?
Indulge in the warm sweetness of this delightful apple cake by pairing it with complementary flavors and textures.
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Whipped Cream: The light, airy texture of whipped cream adds a delightful contrast and enhances the cake’s sweet notes. A dollop will elevate each slice, making your dessert experience even more indulgent.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, vanilla ice cream melts beautifully alongside the warm cake, creating a deliciously comforting contrast that sings of cold and warm harmony.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: A cup of warm, spiced tea complements the cake’s cinnamon notes beautifully, offering a cozy flavor pairing that warms the spirit.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The crispness of a fresh fruit salad brings brightness and balance, while the acidity in citrus fruits can beautifully cut through the cake’s sweetness.
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Roasted Nuts: A handful of roasted almonds or walnuts gives a crunchy texture to each bite. They also add a nutty flavor, enhancing the applesauce cake with delightful complexity.
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Warm Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a slice adds a touch of decadence, elevating the flavor profile while also enhancing the cake’s moistness.
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Hot Chocolate: For a cozy gathering, a cup of rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the cake, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing on chilly evenings.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, try coconut whipped cream—it adds a delightful richness that complements the cake’s comforting flavors beautifully.
Omas Apfelmuskuchen vom Blech Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the applesauce cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your applesauce cake, I recommend using tart varieties like Boskoop or Elstar. These apples strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, resulting in a deliciously well-rounded filling. If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to mix in a few sweeter apple varieties, too!
How should I store the applesauce cake after baking?
The more the merrier when it comes to storage! You can keep your applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It will still taste fantastic!
Can I freeze applesauce cake, and if so, what’s the best method?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Start by slicing the cooled applesauce cake into individual pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air gets in, and then place them into a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a delightful slice whenever the mood strikes! Just remember it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What should I do if my shortcrust pastry cracks during preparation?
Very common, but don’t worry! If you find your shortcrust pastry is cracking while you work with it, simply break it into smaller pieces and press them together in the baking pan. Baking is all about creativity and making adjustments on the fly, so embrace the rustic charm!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, which is great news for those with dietary restrictions. However, if you’re cooking for someone with gluten allergies, consider substituting regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond or coconut flour. Just ensure to follow the specific instructions for each type, as they may behave differently.
Why does the applesauce cake taste better the next day?
That’s one of the magical qualities of this cake! As it sits, the flavors have time to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste. I often make this a day in advance for gatherings, allowing that extra time to work its wonders. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat!
Delicious Applesauce Cake Your Family Will Love Instantly
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel, core, and chop apples, cooking with water and lemon juice until tender (10-15 mins). Stir in sugar and cinnamon, then puree if desired. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and salt. Work into a smooth dough, add egg, and knead until soft.
- Line a baking tray with parchment, press 2/3 of the pastry into the tray.
- Spread applesauce over the pastry base evenly.
- Roll out remaining pastry, covering applesauce and sealing edges.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 30-40 mins until golden.
- Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze, adjust consistency.
- Once cake cools, drizzle glaze on top and allow to soak.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
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