Description
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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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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2 cups unsweetened applesauce
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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1 cup raisins or chopped dates
Optional Glaze (for topping):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American