Amish Applesauce Cake

Warm spices, rich applesauce, and old-fashioned goodness come together in this Amish Applesauce Cake. This simple yet incredibly moist cake is a treasured classic that brings cozy flavor to every bite. Whether you’re making it for dessert, afternoon tea, or a holiday gathering, it’s a no-fuss recipe that’s big on taste and nostalgia.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Flavor – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that classic warm spice.
Super Moist – Applesauce keeps it tender without needing extra fat.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – No fancy ingredients needed.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or topped with glaze.
Stays Fresh – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup raisins or chopped dates

Optional Glaze (for topping):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or Bundt pan, or line with parchment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla.

Step 4: Add Applesauce & Combine
Mix in the applesauce until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Fold in nuts and raisins if using.

Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes (for 9×13 pan) or 50–60 minutes (for Bundt), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze or Dust (Optional)
Once cooled, drizzle with vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Amish Applesauce Cake
Use Unsweetened Applesauce – This helps control the sugar and keeps the flavor balanced.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the cake light and moist.
Add Texture – Chopped nuts or dried fruit add wonderful chew and crunch.
Make It Ahead – It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Keep It Simple – This cake shines without frosting but is also great with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – Perfect for cozy afternoons or a brunch treat.
Topped with Whipped Cream – For a light, creamy contrast.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream – A warm slice with vanilla ice cream is heavenly.
Holiday Table – A crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness (up to 1 week).

Freezing:
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chunky applesauce?
Yes! It adds a rustic texture and bursts of real apple throughout.

2. Can I make this cake egg-free?
You can try using egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg), flax eggs, or yogurt.

3. Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Yes—divide the batter between two greased loaf pans and bake 45–50 minutes.

4. Is this cake overly sweet?
No, it’s nicely balanced with the tang from applesauce and the depth from brown sugar and spices.

5. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spice notes.

Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert that fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and cloves. With its moist crumb, nostalgic flavor, and simple charm, it’s the kind of cake you’ll make again and again—for holidays, family gatherings, or just because.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Without Glaze):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Sodium: 190mg

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