If you’re searching for an irresistibly moist cake that feels like a warm autumn hug, look no further than Amish Applesauce Cake. This old-fashioned treat is brimming with cozy spices, tender raisins, and crunchy walnuts, all enriched with the goodness of applesauce. It fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and slices up beautifully — perfect for gatherings, holiday tables, or simply as a sweet finish to family dinner. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why I come back to this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real beauty of Amish Applesauce Cake is in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component serves a delicious purpose, creating layers of flavor, a perfectly plush crumb, and just the right pop of color and crunch in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beloved cake to life:
- Unsweetened applesauce: The key to an extra-moist texture and gentle apple flavor, it also keeps the cake light.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its sturdy yet tender structure and allows the warm spices to shine through.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the applesauce and spices.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, velvety crumb and infuses every slice with buttery goodness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add lovely crunch and earthy notes; feel free to leave them out if you like it nut-free.
- Raisins: Offer bursts of chewy sweetness and classic Amish appeal in every bite.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and contributes to its tender, soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Another lift for added lightness and fluff.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors, ensuring every spice and ingredient pops.
- Ground cinnamon: The main spice note, giving the cake its warm, familiar aroma and flavor.
- Ground cloves: Delivers depth and a slightly spicy bite, tying all the other spices together.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of sweet warmth for a perfect spiced finish.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the cake’s aroma and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot by the time your batter is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously; a light coating of butter or nonstick spray will help the cake unmold easily and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step is important for a light, tender cake—take your time and let that butter whip some air into the mix!
Step 3: Blend in Applesauce and Vanilla
Add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Stir until it’s perfectly combined—a luscious, slightly glossy batter will form, setting the stage for those earthy spices.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand ensures the spices are evenly distributed for flawless flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. The key is not to overmix—it will keep the Amish Applesauce Cake tender. At this point, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if you’re using them; each spoonful adds texture and a pop of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the beautiful batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it into your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Wait until it cools a bit before slicing, so each square holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
There’s something magical about serving Amish Applesauce Cake with just a light dusting of powdered sugar—it’s simple yet elegant. For a little extra indulgence, a swoosh of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream turns each slice into a true celebration. Don’t be shy to scatter a few extra toasted nuts on top for a rustic finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or tart, fresh apple slices for balance. For a cozier feel, offer it with piping hot coffee, chai tea, or warm spiced cider to highlight those autumnal flavors even more.
Creative Ways to Present
The versatility of Amish Applesauce Cake means you can cut it into generous squares for a family-style dessert or use a round biscuit cutter for daintier tea party treats. It also makes a charming picnic dessert, wrapped up to-go and enjoyed with friends outdoors. Dress up each plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce or swirl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt for added elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of my favorite things about Amish Applesauce Cake is how well it keeps! Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more satisfying after a day or two, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the fully cooled cake into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready for an easy dessert, just thaw at room temperature—absolutely perfect for unexpected company.
Reheating
To bring your Amish Applesauce Cake back to its just-baked glory, warm individual slices for about 10 seconds in the microwave. This gives them a little steam and revives their original moistness. For larger portions, a low oven (300°F/150°C, covered loosely with foil) for 10–15 minutes does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead?
Absolutely! If you only have sweetened applesauce, your Amish Applesauce Cake will be a bit sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to taste. The result will still be moist and delicious.
What kind of nuts are best for this cake?
Both walnuts and pecans work beautifully, bringing a nice crunch and classic flavor. If nuts aren’t your thing or there are allergies to consider, you can definitely leave them out—the cake will still shine.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Yes, dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dates can easily swap in for the raisins. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor and chew to your Amish Applesauce Cake, so feel free to get creative.
How can I make this cake vegan?
Simply substitute plant-based butter for the dairy butter, and double-check your sugar and applesauce are vegan-friendly. The cake retains its amazing spice and moist texture—no eggs needed!
Why does the cake taste even better the next day?
This is a cake that truly improves with time! Resting allows the spices to mingle and deepen their flavor, while the applesauce keeps everything extra moist. Amish Applesauce Cake is almost irresistible on day two (if you can wait that long!).
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to love a recipe as comforting and easy as Amish Applesauce Cake, especially when it fills your home with sweet memories and incredible aromas. I encourage you to try it for yourself—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite in my kitchen. Enjoy every delightful, spiced crumb!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a delightful, moist spiced cake that’s perfect for fall. It’s easy to make and bursting with warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add optional ingredients: Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This moist, spiced cake gets better after a day as the flavors deepen.
- For a sweeter touch, dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting.
- You can also use chunky applesauce for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
