Let me introduce you to a personal treasure and a time-honored classic: Amish Applesauce Cake. This cozy, spiced cake captures the heart of old-fashioned baking, combining tender applesauce-infused crumb with warm spices and the option for crunchy nuts and sweet raisins. Each bite feels just a little bit like home – and as the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll see why this recipe is beloved by generations. Get ready to fall in love with a cake that’s simple in its roots, but unforgettable in flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These humble, everyday ingredients are what make Amish Applesauce Cake so delightfully charming. Each one brings something special to the final treat – whether it’s richness, spice, or that satisfying, spoon-licking sweetness!
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce: This is the cake’s heart and soul; it keeps things moist and adds gentle apple flavor backdrops to every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Classic flour gives our cake the perfect soft, cake-like structure.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the tart applesauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Oil gives long-lasting tenderness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs help create structure and a bit of richness – essential for that delicate crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: A good lift for a light, fluffy texture!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Backs up the baking soda and ensures reliable rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to temper the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is key for that signature cozy, spiced cake vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly earthy note that makes it irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A tiny touch of cloves goes a long way to round out the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla wraps all the flavors together with a comforting embrace.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and extra toasty flavor – use your favorite, or skip for a nut-free version.
- 1 cup raisins (optional): Sweet and chewy raisins nestle into the cake like little surprises.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and take a moment to grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your Amish Applesauce Cake pops out easily after it’s done, and keeps those gorgeous golden edges perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A quick whisk brings the spices together and evenly distributes everything so you get balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Grab a second large bowl and beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This forms the rich, sweet base and gives your cake a beautiful crumb.
Step 4: Add Applesauce and Vanilla
Stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract into the wet mixture. You’ll immediately notice how the applesauce softens and moistens everything, setting up that classic tender texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your applesauce mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Resist the urge to overmix – you want the finished cake to stay light and fluffy!
Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional)
If you’re craving a classic Amish Applesauce Cake with all the cozy extras, now’s the time to fold in your raisins and nuts. They’ll add little bursts of texture and flavor throughout – but the cake is every bit as delicious if you go plain.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your cake cool right in the pan before slicing. This helps the Amish Applesauce Cake set up and ensures neat, beautiful squares with every cut.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Amish Applesauce Cake with a little dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. For a hit of color, try a handful of toasted nuts or even thin apple slices fanned over the top. The finishing touch is all yours!
Side Dishes
This cake is a star with a strong cup of coffee or hot apple cider. If you’re feeling a bit more decadent, go for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of gently whipped cream for a contrast in temperature and extra creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, cut the cooled Amish Applesauce Cake into petite squares, stack them with parchment between for picnic-ready treats, or serve as warm crumbles in little dessert cups with caramel drizzle. It’s a cake meant for sharing, but it also dresses up beautifully for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Amish Applesauce Cake (a rare scenario!), just wrap the pan well or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for about a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual pieces or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic and a layer of foil. It’ll keep for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving and you’ll have a delicious treat ready anytime.
Reheating
If you like your Amish Applesauce Cake slightly warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat a larger portion in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) until gently warmed through. That fresh-baked aroma will come right back!
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will make your Amish Applesauce Cake a bit sweeter, so you can reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons if preferred.
What’s the best way to tell if the cake is done?
The classic test is to insert a toothpick in the center: if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready! The top should be golden and spring back lightly under your finger.
Is it necessary to add nuts and raisins?
Nope! The beauty of Amish Applesauce Cake is its flexibility. Feel free to skip the nuts and raisins, or substitute with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for your favorite egg replacer (like flax eggs), make sure your sugar is vegan, and you’ll have a wonderful dairy-free, egg-free treat that’s still just as delicious.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The applesauce keeps the cake tender, so gluten-free versions work beautifully – no one will even guess!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers comfort, nostalgia, and pure homemade joy, you just can’t top Amish Applesauce Cake. I hope you’ll give it a spot in your own family’s recipe box and discover just how easy and rewarding homemade baking can be. Enjoy every slice, and happy baking!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Amish Applesauce Cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall. This spiced cake is easy to prepare and makes a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, and eggs; then mix in applesauce and vanilla.
- Blend: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, fold in nuts and raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the dish, bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.
Notes
- You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or add a glaze.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan sugar and flax eggs as substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
