If you love homey, old-fashioned desserts that fill your kitchen with the scent of warm spices and sweet apples, then Amish Applesauce Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Moist, tender, and deeply flavorful, it blends applesauce with a trio of cozy spices, rich butter, and just the right hint of brown sugar for nostalgic charm. Every bite tastes like a piece of history, whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or slathered in a luxe cream cheese frosting. Amish Applesauce Cake is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you want something simple yet soul-soothing from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake is made with simple pantry staples that magically transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the distinct flavor, moist texture, and inviting golden crumb of Amish Applesauce Cake.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake fabulously moist without being heavy.
- All-purpose flour: The trusty base that holds everything together, ensuring a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, creating a light texture and beautiful golden color.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and depth that complement the apples and spices.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For luxurious flavor and a perfectly tender crumb.
- Eggs: They help bind the cake together and contribute a little lift for a light, soft bite.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These give the cake its lift, keeping it light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that signature applesauce cake aroma.
- Ground cloves: Enhances the spice blend with earthy, deep flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds another layer of spice and complexity.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Raisins or chopped nuts (optional): For added texture and bursts of sweet or nutty goodness in every bite.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it plenty of time to come up to temperature while you assemble your batter. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan—or two 9-inch rounds if you prefer to make a layered version. This simple step ensures your Amish Applesauce Cake releases beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy. You’ll know you’re there when the mixture looks creamy and light, almost like thick frosting. This creates a tender base and sets the stage for a light, airy crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Applesauce
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then gently mix in the applesauce. This blend not only moistens the cake but infuses it with that classic apple flavor we love in Amish Applesauce Cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Giving these a good mix beforehand means the leaveners and spices will disperse evenly, ensuring no pockets of baking soda or clumps of spice appear in your cake.
Step 5: Mix Together
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. The batter should be thick and aromatic, filled with flecks of spice. Over-mixing can toughen the cake, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
If you’re going for extra indulgence, gently fold in raisins or chopped nuts. They give the Amish Applesauce Cake those delightful pops of texture and flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a more classic version.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool the cake in the pan before slicing and serving—it’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
Dust your cake simply with powdered sugar for understated elegance, or drizzle on a simple vanilla glaze for a glossy finish. For extra indulgence, a thick swipe of tangy cream cheese frosting transforms Amish Applesauce Cake into a true showstopper. Chopped toasted nuts or a scattering of dried apple rings add rustic flair.
Side Dishes
Serve each generous slice with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—both complement the cake’s spiced warmth beautifully. Pair with a mug of hot apple cider, chai, or even a rich cup of coffee for that ultimate comfort dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Amish Applesauce Cake into small squares for a crowd-pleasing tray bake at potlucks. Arrange slices on a vintage plate with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for seasonal flair, or serve stacked rounds as a rustic layer cake crowned with frosting and nuts. It’s a dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of Amish Applesauce Cake is that it stays moist for several days. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate if frosted with cream cheese to keep things fresher longer.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and tuck them into an airtight container or ziptop bag. You can freeze for up to three months, and simply thaw at room temperature whenever a cake craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm cake brings out all those comforting aromas and flavors. Heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or pop the whole cake (covered loosely with foil) into a 300°F (150°C) oven until just warmed through. Add your favorite topping and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will make the cake noticeably sweeter. You may want to reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup if you make this swap.
Is it possible to make Amish Applesauce Cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a plant-based butter for the dairy butter, and make sure your mix-ins (like nuts or raisins) are dairy-free. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic.
Will whole wheat flour work in this recipe?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier, denser crumb that adds a bit of nuttiness to the cake. This also brings a little more fiber and nutrition.
Do I have to include raisins or nuts?
Not at all! These are optional and the Amish Applesauce Cake is just as delicious without them. They simply provide added texture and a little extra flavor for those who enjoy them.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not liquid batter), your cake is ready. The top should also look golden and feel springy to the touch.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give this Amish Applesauce Cake a try! There’s just something magical about its old-fashioned simplicity and the way it brings warmth and comfort to any table. Let it fill your kitchen with sweet, spiced aromas, and enjoy sharing every tender slice with the people you love.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this moist and spiced Amish Applesauce Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make dessert is a delightful treat for all.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in applesauce.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in raisins or nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the cake in the pan before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- This cake stays moist for several days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For extra indulgence, top with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze.
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
