If you’re searching for a cozy, spiced dessert that feels like an edible hug, Amish Applesauce Cake is your answer. This timeless recipe infuses tender crumb with autumnal spices, plenty of applesauce, and optional nuts or raisins for added heartiness. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or let the flavors meld overnight, Amish Applesauce Cake promises a slice of nostalgia in every bite — it’s ideal for casual gatherings, family treats, or just satisfying your sweet tooth the old-fashioned way.

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Amish Applesauce Cake lies in its everyday pantry ingredients, each one carefully chosen to lend fantastic softness, warm flavor, and irresistible aroma. Don’t overlook the spices; they’re what transform this cake from simple to truly unforgettable!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a moist, tender crumb that holds together beautifully.
Baking soda: Helps your cake rise sky-high and keeps every bite perfectly fluffy.
Baking powder: A little boost for extra lift, ensuring the cake stays soft and not too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and highlight the warming spices.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic, cozy depth that makes every forkful taste like fall.
Ground cloves: Just a hint brings a subtle, earthy note to complement the applesauce.
Ground nutmeg: Offers a sweet, nutty hint that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creamed for richness and a delicate crumb — make sure it’s at room temperature!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to that lovely golden-brown color.
Brown sugar (packed): For deeper sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that’s oh-so-homey.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and keep the cake moist.
Unsweetened applesauce: The star of the show, adding moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Heightens every flavor note with a lightly floral, fragrant finish.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and a rustic look.
Raisins (optional): Tiny bursts of sweetness that pair beautifully with the spices and applesauce.

How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial for an easy release after baking, so be generous with your greasing – there’s nothing worse than a cake that sticks!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures all the leavening and spices are perfectly distributed, so every bite of Amish Applesauce Cake is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Aim for a light and fluffy texture — this incorporates air and sets the stage for a soft, tender cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. Your batter should look smooth and a little glossy — don’t be tempted to taste test just yet!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, so go easy — a few lumps are just fine at this stage.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Raisins (If Using)

This is your moment to sprinkle in the optional nuts and raisins for extra texture. Gently fold them in with a spatula so they’re evenly dispersed.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Pop it in the oven for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the Amish Applesauce Cake cool in the pan — the suspense is worth it!

How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake

Garnishes

Amish Applesauce Cake is a natural beauty, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze can elevate its homespun charm. For a cozy twist, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel. Even a handful of toasted nuts over the top will add even more crunch and invite guests in for a second slice.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a cup of black coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For special gatherings, serve thin slices alongside a cheese board with crisp apples and cheddar – you’ll be amazed by how the flavors play together. Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes for an indulgent à la mode dessert, especially when the cake is still warm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or picnic, cut the Amish Applesauce Cake into small squares and serve on a rustic wooden board. If you want a layered effect, slice the cake horizontally and sandwich it with a tangy cream cheese frosting. You can even bake the batter in muffin tins for spiced applesauce cupcakes – perfect for lunchboxes or bake sales!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, many fans say the flavors deepen and improve overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead option!

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your Amish Applesauce Cake, freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic and foil, or freeze the whole cake. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and it’ll taste just as wonderful as fresh.

Reheating

Warm your cake gently in the microwave or wrapped in foil in a low oven (about 300°F) for that just-baked feel. If you’re topping it with icing or glaze, wait until after you’ve reheated to add the finishing touches. Warm cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

FAQs

Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake without nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! The nuts and raisins are entirely optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smoother crumb or have dietary restrictions. The cake will still be incredibly moist and packed with spice.

What type Dessert

Unsweetened applesauce is ideal because you have full control over the cake’s sweetness. If you only have sweetened applesauce, reduce the granulated sugar slightly to compensate.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more density. Using all whole wheat flour will create a heavier, heartier cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best way to check Amish Applesauce Cake for doneness is with a toothpick — insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I frost this cake instead of glazing or dusting with sugar?

Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream complement the spices and add even more decadence, but the cake is delicious enough to stand on its own if you like to keep things simple.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking an Amish Applesauce Cake — the way it fills your home with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the kitchen. Give this treasured recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort cake. Happy baking!

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Amish, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Amish Applesauce Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that brings together the warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg with sweet applesauce. Perfect for any occasion, this old-fashioned cake is a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

Optional Add-Ins:

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in applesauce and vanilla extract.
Combine and bake: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins if using. Pour batter into dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let cool before serving. Optionally, top with powdered sugar or a glaze.

Notes

This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Enjoy with cream cheese frosting or a warm caramel drizzle for added decadence.