If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that fills your kitchen with irresistible spice and warmth, look no further than this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe. This humble cake has a tender crumb, perfectly balanced spices, and the natural sweetness of applesauce that keeps it moist and delightful. It’s a true Americana classic with a nostalgic charm, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. Trust me, once you try this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe, it will quickly become one of your very favorite go-to treats for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s the warmth of the spices, the richness of the butter, or the natural sweetness and moisture from the applesauce.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender yet sturdy cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra lift for the perfect crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with classic autumn warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Perfectly complements the spice blend.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake with a clean sugar flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark): Adds a hint of caramel complexity and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding a tender texture.
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup raisins (optional): Bring bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the cake.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan to ensure your cake releases beautifully once baked. The choice of pan can slightly change the cake’s presentation but not the delicious flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mixing these ingredients well upfront ensures an even distribution of spices and raising agents throughout the cake batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which will help keep your cake tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain the batter’s smoothness. Then, stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, which bring the characteristic moistness and warmth that make this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe so special.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so keep it gentle but thorough. If you’re using chopped nuts or raisins, fold them in now to evenly distribute those delightful bits.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan or 50 to 55 minutes for a bundt pan. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is lovely on its own, but you can jazz it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. For an extra indulgent touch, spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the top—it pairs beautifully with the warm spices and apples.
Side Dishes
Serving a slice of this applesauce cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for an irresistible dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, especially on a crisp fall day.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the cake into small squares and serving them on a festive platter with fresh apple slices and nuts sprinkled around. You can even layer the cake with whipped cream and stewed apples for a simple but elegant trifle variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful for quick snacks or dessert repeats.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10 minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked warmth that everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce the added sugar slightly to avoid making the cake too sweet. Unsweetened applesauce gives you more control over the sweetness and lets the spices shine.
Can I substitute the nuts and raisins for other add-ins?
Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just fold them in at the same step as the nuts and raisins.
Is this cake suitable for freezing before or after baking?
It freezes well both ways. For freezing unbaked batter, pour it into a freezer-safe pan, wrap tightly, and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What makes this cake so moist compared to other cakes?
The applesauce is key! It naturally adds moisture and sweetness, cutting down the need for extra fat while keeping the cake soft and tender for days.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe without gluten. Just watch the texture and adjust moisture if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is one of those comforting, timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug in cake form. It’s straightforward, delicious, and packed with the cozy spices and moist texture that make every bite a little celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s truly a special recipe to have in your baking repertoire.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert perfect for fall gatherings. Made with unsweetened applesauce and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, it delivers a comforting old-fashioned flavor. Optional nuts and raisins add texture and richness, while the cake is simple to prepare and versatile enough to serve plain or with frosting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes for the 9×13-inch pan or 50–55 minutes for a bundt pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake is delicious served plain or topped with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For extra moisture, use chunky-style applesauce or add a few small pieces of apple to the batter.
- Chopped nuts and raisins are optional but add wonderful texture and flavor.
