Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

There’s something truly magical about baking an old-fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake—moist, spiced, and brimming with wholesome flavors. This beloved recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit special. Every bite is packed with warm spices, tender applesauce, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or sneaking a quiet afternoon treat, Amish Applesauce Cake will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about Amish Applesauce Cake is how it relies on humble, everyday ingredients, each one pulling its weight to create a deeply flavorful, moist crumb. From cozy spices to rich applesauce and a delightful crunch of walnuts, everything on this list truly matters.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure that keeps each slice perfectly cakey.
• Baking soda: Aids the cake in rising beautifully, ensuring a soft texture.
• Baking powder: Adds an extra lift, making the crumb even lighter.
• Salt: Just a bit heightens all the flavors in every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that defines Amish Applesauce Cake—don’t hold back!
• Ground nutmeg: Lends warmth and aromatic intensity to the cake.
• Ground cloves: A pinch offers depth and a faintly sweet spiciness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the cake rich and moist, with that unbeatable homemade taste.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while still letting the spices shine through.
• Brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel-like depth and extra moisture.
• Large eggs: Two eggs bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient—keeps the cake incredibly moist and naturally sweet.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds bakery-style aroma.
• Raisins: Studded throughout, these provide chewy bursts of sweetness and a nod to tradition.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty contrast, especially wonderful if you love texture.

How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—either with butter or a nonstick spray. This step ensures your Amish Applesauce Cake releases easily and bakes evenly, which will make serving it a true delight.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining all the dry ingredients at the beginning ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake, so there’s flavor in every forkful.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step not only adds air to your batter, giving the cake lift, but also helps meld the flavors together from the very start.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract; these add moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable classic aroma to your Amish Applesauce Cake batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb we all crave.

Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Walnuts

Gently fold in the raisins and, if you’d like, the chopped walnuts. These little treasures throughout the cake introduce flavor and texture contrasts no one can resist. For a twist, you can also try dried cranberries or chopped dates—equally delicious!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the dish before serving—this not only helps with slicing but enhances those wonderful spice aromas.

How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of Amish Applesauce Cake is how easily it dresses up for any occasion. Dust the cooled cake with a snowfall of powdered sugar for a classic look, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully, making each slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a mug of hot spiced tea or strong black coffee—the warming flavors are the perfect match. If you’re hosting brunch, fresh apple slices or a light fruit compote on the side will echo the cake’s fruity notes and add freshness to your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform Amish Applesauce Cake into an elegant dessert by cutting it into neat squares and topping each with a ribbon of caramel drizzle and a few toasted nuts. For a rustic touch, serve straight from the baking dish alongside a bowl of homemade applesauce and let everyone help themselves. You can even stack small cubes on a tiered platter for a festive tea party treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Amish Applesauce Cake keeps beautifully! Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits—making that second slice all the more irresistible.

Freezing

To extend its shelf life, wrap individual squares (or the whole cake) in plastic wrap and then again in foil before freezing. Stored this way, Amish Applesauce Cake will stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for the best results.

Reheating

For that just-baked freshness, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds, or warm in a low oven until heated through. If you’re adding glaze or ice cream, heat the cake first for maximum melt-in-your-mouth magic!

FAQs

Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are completely optional. Leaving them out won’t impact the cake’s structure or flavor and is a great option if you’re serving a crowd with allergies or preferences.

Is it okay to use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

You can use sweetened applesauce if that’s what you have on hand, but keep in mind that your Amish Applesauce Cake will be a touch sweeter. If possible, reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons to balance the flavor.

What’s the best way to tell if the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready. The top should also be golden and spring back to the touch.

Can I substitute the raisins?

Definitely! Chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even currants are fantastic in Amish Applesauce Cake. Each option adds its own unique twist to the texture and taste.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

There’s no need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is especially warm or you’re storing it for more than three days. If you do refrigerate, just bring it back to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s pure joy in slicing into a homemade Amish Applesauce Cake, catching those sweet, spiced aromas, and savoring its cozy flavor. If you’re looking for a cake that’s as simple as it is soul-satisfying, give this recipe a try—you’ll be sharing it with friends and family for years to come!

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