Amish Applesauce Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly special about homemade Amish Applesauce Cake. This classic, old-fashioned dessert is packed with warm spices, rich flavors, and a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. If you love comforting baked goods that are simple yet incredibly satisfying, this cake is for you!

This recipe has been passed down through generations of Amish bakers, who are known for their ability to create flavorful, wholesome dishes with simple pantry ingredients. The applesauce in this cake does more than just add moisture—it infuses every bite with natural sweetness, keeping the cake soft and rich without needing an excessive amount of butter or oil.

This cake is ideal for autumn gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as a homemade gift for loved ones. Whether you serve it as a snack, a dessert, or even a breakfast treat with a warm cup of coffee, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can enjoy it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar, top it with cream cheese frosting, or even drizzle it with a simple vanilla glaze. No matter how you serve it, the result is always delightful.

If you love the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar combined with a deep, apple-infused sweetness, this Amish Applesauce Cake will become a go-to treat in your home.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, making it easy to whip up at any time.

For the Cake:

2 cups unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
1 cup granulated sugar – Provides balance to the flavors.
1 cup packed brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness and enhances the richness.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Gives the cake a soft, buttery texture.
½ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the cake moist and tender.
Two large eggs – Help bind the ingredients while providing structure and stability.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake and creates a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise properly.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds additional leavening for a light, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the spice blend with a nutty, slightly sweet aroma.
½ teaspoon ground cloves – Adds a subtle earthiness and richness.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup raisins (optional) – Adds chewy texture and natural sweetness.
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Provides crunch and nuttiness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, tangy frosting.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Ensures smoothness and adds a creamy texture.
2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Directions

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and get everything ready for baking.Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution.
Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Mix gently and avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts if using. These add extra texture and flavor but are completely optional.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and dry.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares or wedges and enjoy this delicious, moist cake!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 12-15 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

There are so many ways to customize this Amish Applesauce Cake:

Spiced Apple Cake: Add ½ teaspoon allspice and a pinch of ginger for even more warmth.
Apple Chunk Version: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for a more rustic texture.
Cranberry-Walnut Cake: Replace raisins with dried cranberries and add chopped walnuts.
Glazed Version: Instead of frosting, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chocolate Version: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a subtle chocolate twist.
Carrot-Apple Cake: Mix in ½ cup shredded carrots for extra moisture and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

At Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: If frosted, keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, but consider reducing the sugar by ¼ cup to prevent the cake from being overly sweet.

2. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

3. Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes! Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

4. Why is my cake dry?

It may have been overbaked. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.

5. What’s the best frosting for this cake?

Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, but a simple glaze or cinnamon buttercream also works well.

Conclusion

This Amish Applesauce Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert, perfect for any occasion. The warm spices, deep apple flavor, and incredibly moist texture make it a must-try for any home baker. Whether you enjoy it plain, frosted, or glazed, this cake will always deliver comfort and deliciousness in every bite.

Try this recipe today and share it with family and friends—it’s a cake that brings people together, just like a true Amish classic! Happy baking! 🍏🎂

Expert Tips for the Best Amish Applesauce Cake

To make your Amish Applesauce Cake even more special, consider pairing it with Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits for an indulgent breakfast spread. If you’re in the mood for more fall-inspired treats, try Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings—a perfect complement to this spiced cake. For those who love easy no-bake desserts, Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies offer a tangy-sweet contrast to the rich apple flavors. Looking for another nostalgic, comforting recipe? Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake is a must-try for classic dessert lovers. And if you enjoy creamy, fruit-infused sweets, you won’t want to miss this Creamy Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert—a delightful way to round out your homemade baking collection! Happy baking! 🍏✨