This Amish Applesauce Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert, featuring warm spices, moist applesauce, and optional add-ins like nuts and raisins for extra texture. A nostalgic and flavorful treat, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a comforting homemade cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The applesauce keeps the cake soft and moist while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a comforting, aromatic flavor perfect for fall and winter.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for bakers of any skill level.
- Nostalgic Comfort: A traditional recipe that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Directions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Add Applesauce
Gradually mix the applesauce into the butter mixture. The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins until evenly distributed.
8. Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan(s) on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cake with a classic cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Glazed Topping: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or lemon glaze for a hint of sweetness.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Dried Fruits: Replace raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or currants for a twist.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature or microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
2. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
You can, but reduce the granulated sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use vegan butter, a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure your sugar is vegan.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
5. Do I have to use both sugars?
Using both granulated and brown sugar creates a balance of sweetness and moisture, but you can use one or the other if needed.
6. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, grease and flour a bundt pan, and adjust the baking time to 50–60 minutes.
7. Can I skip the nuts and raisins?
Absolutely. The cake is still delicious without the optional add-ins.
8. What’s the best way to grease the pan?
Use butter or nonstick spray and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
9. Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts over the batter before baking for a crunchy topping.
10. What should I serve with this cake?
Serve slices with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that’s easy to make and packed with warm, nostalgic flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain, frosted, or paired with ice cream, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Try it for your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with warm spices, unsweetened applesauce, and optional nuts or raisins. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy treat, it’s an easy-to-make cake that’s sure to impress!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. - Add Eggs:
Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. - Add Applesauce:
Gradually mix in applesauce. The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing. - Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional):
If using, gently fold in chopped nuts and raisins. - Transfer Batter to Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan(s) on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, wrap the cake in plastic wrap once cooled to retain freshness.
- Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze makes a delicious topping.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
