Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

The Cozy Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe for Sweet Comfort

My grandma’s cherished amish applesauce cake recipe brings comfort straight from her sunny kitchen.

Memories of sweet aromas wafting through farmhouse windows dance in my mind.

Warm spices and tender crumb make this classic dessert irresistible.

Generations of bakers have treasured these simple ingredients that blend perfectly.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful treat with every slice.

Rustic charm meets delectable flavor in this time-honored confection.

Each bite connects you to traditional baking wisdom passed down through loving hands.

Grab a fork and savor the deliciousness that awaits you.

Applesauce Cake That’s Moist, Classic, and Full of Comfort

Quick Win Kitchen Adventure: Whip Up an Irresistible Amish Applesauce Cake

  • Time-Savvy Delight: Preparation takes just 15 minutes, with baking time under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dessert solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warmly spiced cake delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to all ages, transforming ordinary moments into delightful family gatherings.
  • Versatile Treat: Adaptable for multiple occasions like potlucks, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, or casual dessert after dinner, with optional glaze for extra indulgence.

Amish Applesauce Cake: What You’ll Use

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cake's basic structure and texture, soft wheat flour gives a tender crumb.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Chemical leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that give the cake a classic Amish flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth cake texture, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist cake, brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet background flavor.
  • Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds subtle apple flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Raisins, Chopped Nuts: Provide extra texture and flavor, can be mixed into batter or sprinkled on top.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
  • Milk: Thins the sugar to create drizzling consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds complementary flavor to the glaze.

Amish Applesauce Cake Instructions for Classic Flavor

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your favorite baking pan and give it a quick coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves

Whisk these ingredients until they’re best friends and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter and Sugars

Grab your electric mixer and beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars.

Keep mixing until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Friends

Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract.

Pour in applesauce and blend until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in raisins or chopped nuts.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to your prepared pan.

Spread evenly and slide into the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes if using a rectangular pan, or 45-50 minutes for a Bundt pan.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Pour this sweet glaze over the cooled cake.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve.

Want extra indulgence?

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Amish Applesauce Cake Tips for Cozy Baking Days

  • Use unsweetened applesauce to keep the cake incredibly soft and prevent dryness without adding extra sugar.
  • Replace ground cloves with allspice if you prefer a milder flavor profile or don't enjoy intense clove notes.
  • Toast nuts or raisins before adding to enhance their flavor and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's texture and structure.
  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve its moisture and freshness.

How to Keep Amish Applesauce Cake Fresh

  • Store cooled cake in an airtight container lined with paper towel for up to 5 days. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture and keeps cake fresh.
  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For entire cake, cover with foil and warm in 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and restore softness.
  • If serving within 2 days, keep cake covered at room temperature in sealed container to preserve texture and prevent drying out.

Amish Applesauce Cake Serving Ideas

  • Savor Sweet Harmony with Perfect Pairings
  • Brew Warm Spiced Chai: A creamy, aromatic chai tea complements the cake's rich cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a cozy flavor symphony that elevates each bite.
  • Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cake, balancing textures and temperatures for a decadent dessert experience.
  • Enjoy Caramel Drizzle: A light caramel sauce added on top enhances the cake's sweet apple undertones, adding depth and a luxurious golden richness that makes each slice more indulgent.
  • Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly spiced whipped cream adds an extra layer of creamy sweetness, echoing the cake's warm spices and creating a harmonious, comforting finale.

Applesauce Cake with Amish Additions

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk in the glaze to create a dairy-free, egg-free cake that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated and brown sugar, using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate extra applesauce or mashed bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added crunch and nutritional value, boosting protein and healthy fat content while providing textural interest.

FAQs

  • What gives this Amish Applesauce Cake its unique moisture?

The applesauce is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, replacing some of the oil or butter typically used in cake recipes.

  • Can I make this cake without raisins?

Absolutely! The raisins are optional, so you can easily omit them or substitute with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different texture.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Yes, this Amish Applesauce Cake is quite forgiving and straightforward. The recipe uses simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it perfect for those new to baking.

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

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but using 100% whole wheat might make the cake denser and less fluffy.

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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade Amish applesauce cake delivers comforting spices and moist sweetness straight from Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Warm cinnamon and tender crumb invite families to gather around this nostalgic dessert with pure, simple pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional Add-ins and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts

Glaze Ingredients (optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch or 9-inch Bundt pan with grease and a light dusting of flour. Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set the mixture aside for later incorporation.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency and appears slightly fluffy.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract and applesauce until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. If desired, introduce raisins or chopped nuts into the batter at this stage.
  6. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a level surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-50 minutes, depending on pan size, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
  7. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
  8. Optional glaze preparation involves whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle decoratively over the completely cooled cake.
  9. Serve the cake as a standalone dessert or elevate with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Swap applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for diverse flavor profiles and moisture enhancement.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Toast nuts before adding to boost their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting half the granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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