Amish Applesauce Cake

Warm, cozy, and packed with spiced flavor, this Amish Applesauce Cake is a beloved old-fashioned dessert that never goes out of style. Made with pantry staples and sweetened with applesauce and brown sugar, this cake is incredibly moist and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an everyday treat with coffee or tea. You don’t need frosting—though a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar makes it extra special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy and Nostalgic – No-fuss ingredients with rich, old-fashioned flavor.
Super Moist – Applesauce gives it a soft, tender crumb.
Spiced Just Right – Classic fall and winter spices make this cake irresistibly fragrant.
Stays Fresh for Days – Perfect to make ahead.
Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or a glaze if you’d like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¾ cup raisins or chopped dates

Optional Simple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch pan or Bundt pan. Dust with flour or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine with Applesauce
Mix the applesauce into the butter-sugar-egg mixture until smooth.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
Fold in nuts and raisins if using.

Step 5: Bake
Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 40–45 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 50–60 minutes (for a Bundt pan).
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Add Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cake and let set before slicing.

Tips for the Best Amish Applesauce Cake
Use Unsweetened Applesauce – Keeps the cake perfectly sweet without overdoing it.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
Spice It Up – Adjust spices to your liking or add ginger for extra warmth.
Add Texture – Chopped nuts or dried fruit give a nice contrast.
Let It Rest – Tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – A perfect mid-day or morning snack.
Warm with Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar – Simple and elegant for any occasion.
Holiday Dessert Table – A rustic favorite for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How to Store & Freeze

To Store:
Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:
Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this egg-free?
Yes—try substituting each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce or use flax eggs.

2. Can I use chunky applesauce?
Yes! It adds a little texture and real fruit bites throughout the cake.

3. Can I make this into cupcakes or muffins?
Absolutely—bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Is it overly sweet?
Not at all—it’s balanced with warm spice and natural apple flavor.

5. What kind of applesauce should I use?
Unsweetened, plain applesauce works best to control sweetness and flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—it’s easy, comforting, and always a hit. Whether you serve it plain, glazed, or dressed up with whipped cream, it’s the perfect example of simple baking done right. A true taste of tradition, straight from the heart of the farmhouse kitchen.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Sodium: 210mg

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