Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that’s perfectly spiced, incredibly moist, and impossibly easy to whip up, Amish Applesauce Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert. This cake weaves together tender applesauce, fragrant spices, and a hint of buttery richness for a result that tastes like a hug from your favorite grandma. Whether you bake it for a family gathering, potluck, or just a quiet weekend afternoon, Amish Applesauce Cake delivers heartwarming flavor in every bite and always leaves you craving just one more slice.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Amish Applesauce Cake lies in its pure, pantry-friendly ingredients. Every component plays its part to build up flavor, keep the crumb soft, and fill your kitchen with comforting aromas. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Unsweetened applesauce: The magic ingredient – it keeps the cake super moist while delivering gentle apple flavor and natural sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps the cake hold together without being too dense.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tang of applesauce and keeps every slice sweet but not overwhelming.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses for deeper, caramel-like notes and extra moisture.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and that lovely, tender crumb – make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Large eggs: Bind everything and contribute to the fluffy, cake-like texture.
• Baking soda: Reactions with the applesauce for gentle lift and airiness.
• Baking powder: Ensures a perfect, even rise in combination with the other leaveners.
• Salt: Just enough to highlight all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings classic warmth and that signature aroma.
• Ground cloves: Adds an earthy touch that lingers on the palate in the best way.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle, nutty undertones that blend beautifully with the other spices.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and makes everything taste even homier.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For those who love a crunch – adds an extra layer of texture and nuttiness.
• Raisins (optional): Little pops of sweetness dotted throughout the cake (soaking them first makes them extra juicy!).

How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan; this ensures your Amish Applesauce Cake will slide out gracefully without sticking. It’s a tiny step that pays off bigtime when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and dreamy. This is where a lot of the cake’s tender crumb is created, so take a few minutes to let it get nice and light.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one slips in. This builds structure and makes sure everything is evenly combined. Once the eggs are in, stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The batter will look silky and smell amazing already!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisking first spreads the spices evenly so every single bite of Amish Applesauce Cake is packed with cozy flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra bowl.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; once you see no more streaks of flour, you’re good to go. The batter should look thick and luxurious.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff (Nuts and Raisins)

If you’re using them, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the raisins. These add wonderful pops of texture and a little extra something with every slice. Kids love helping with this part too!

Step 7: Pour, Smooth, and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is deeply golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Your house is about to smell absolutely divine.

Step 8: Cool and Unmold

Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes – this gives it time to firm up before you transfer it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely so all those cozy flavors have time to settle in and shine.

How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake

Garnishes

This cake looks and tastes wonderful with just a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light vanilla glaze. If you want to make it even sweeter, a spoonful of freshly whipped cream alongside each slice turns Amish Applesauce Cake from an everyday treat to a show-stopping dessert. A handful of chopped nuts on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a mug of hot coffee or spiced chai latte for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s also delightful with fresh fruit on the side, like a tart green apple salad or pears poached in cinnamon syrup. Trust me, the combination is pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into cubes and piling them in little dessert glasses with layers of vanilla yogurt and crunchy granola for a quick trifle. Or, if you’re celebrating, top each slice with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream. Amish Applesauce Cake is incredibly versatile, so you can dress it up for a party or keep it homey for a casual get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Amish Applesauce Cake stores beautifully! Simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays tender and even develops more flavor as the spices meld.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze Amish Applesauce Cake. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake (minus any glaze) in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature whenever you need a homemade treat.

Reheating

If you love a warm slice, just pop your refrigerated or thawed piece into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just enough to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and make the crumb extra soft. A warm slice with a little pat of butter on top is next-level delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake without nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! The cake is just as delicious if you prefer to skip the nuts and raisins. They’re optional add-ins for texture and extra flavor, but the core recipe is fantastic all on its own.

What kind of applesauce works best?

I always recommend unsweetened applesauce so you can control the cake’s sweetness. Homemade or store-bought both work perfectly—if your applesauce is on the chunky side, give it a quick stir or blend so your batter stays smooth.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Amish Applesauce Cake adapts well and still comes out moist and tender, just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Does Amish Applesauce Cake taste better the next day?

It truly does! Letting it rest overnight allows the spices to deepen and meld, resulting in an even more flavorful cake. If you can resist diving in right away, it’s worth the wait.

What’s the best glaze or frosting for this cake?

A simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting makes a lovely pairing, but even a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. If you want to keep things classic, no topping is needed at all—just enjoy the cake as is!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked Amish Applesauce Cake before, prepare to fall in love with this classic comfort dessert. Its simplicity, nostalgia, and irresistible spiced flavor make it an instant favorite for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love into the kitchen, and enjoy every crumb—you’re in for a real treat!

Print