Amish applesauce cake is a moist, spiced cake bursting with the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This old-fashioned recipe is a delightful dessert for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Warm spices and applesauce create a deeply flavorful and aromatic cake.
- Moist and Tender: The applesauce ensures every bite is soft and delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat or a midweek dessert, this cake always shines.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsweetened applesauce
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Salt
- Optional: Chopped nuts, raisins, or a glaze for topping
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Optional Add-Ins: Fold in chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing or glazing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Glazed Cake: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a bolder spice blend.
- Fruit and Nut Mix: Fold in diced apples, dried cranberries, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cake.
- Bundt Cake: Bake in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet cake.
What can I use instead of butter?
Substitute melted butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results.
How do I prevent the cake from being dry?
Measure your flour carefully and don’t overbake. The applesauce naturally helps keep the cake moist.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors.
Can I bake this as muffins?
Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts or pecans are excellent choices, but any nut will work depending on your preference.
How do I make the glaze?
Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?
Yes, replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, it’s delicious served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
Amish applesauce cake is a timeless dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its moist texture, rich spices, and easy preparation, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with glaze, or paired with a warm beverage, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Bake it today and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Description
Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert bursting with warm spices and the natural sweetness of applesauce. This traditional cake is easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings, teatime, or any occasion where comfort food is a must.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and applesauce.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the raisins and nuts, if using.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the cake before baking.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.