Amish Applesauce Cake – A Moist & Spiced Comfort Classic
If you’re craving an old-fashioned dessert that tastes just like Grandma’s kitchen, this Amish Applesauce Cake is the answer. Moist, tender, and filled with warm spices, it’s the kind of cake that makes your home smell like comfort and love. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients — perfect for both weeknight baking and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & tender – applesauce keeps the crumb soft and never dry
- Perfectly spiced – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for cozy warmth
- Quick & easy – just one bowl for wet, one for dry, mix and bake
- Customizable – add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese glaze
- Budget-friendly – uses staple ingredients you likely already have
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Whisk & spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 8x8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Sifter (optional, for powdered sugar garnish)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (the secret Amish touch)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Yield: 9–12 slices
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch square pan (or a 9-inch round).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Extras
Gently fold in nuts and raisins if using.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with whipped cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Cake
- 🍎 Use unsweetened applesauce — keeps the cake moist without extra sugar overload.
- 🧁 Don’t overmix — mixing too much toughens the crumb.
- 🌰 Add-ins matter — walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins add texture and flavor.
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly — wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Glazed Amish Cake – drizzle with cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce
- Apple-Pear Twist – replace half the applesauce with pear purée
- Vegan Version – use flax eggs + coconut oil
- Holiday Style – add orange zest + cranberries
FAQ
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temp for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the spices develop.
Q: Do I need to frost it?
Nope — it’s delicious plain, but cream cheese frosting takes it over the top.
Amish Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour pan.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
- In another bowl, whisk applesauce, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in nuts and raisins.
- Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes