Description
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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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 cups unsweetened applesauce
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
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1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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¾ cup raisins or chopped dates
Optional Simple Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American