Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Cozy Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe That Tastes Like Home

Rustic charm meets sweet nostalgia in this hearty amish applesauce cake that whispers stories of farmhouse kitchens.

Family recipes often carry deep emotional connections passed through generations.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with tender cake crumbs, creating a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, reflecting the uncomplicated culinary traditions of amish communities.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each slice, promising comfort and memories of homemade goodness.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of pure, authentic flavor.

Let this recipe transport you to a world of wholesome, down-to-earth baking that celebrates humble ingredients and timeless techniques.

Best Storage Techniques for Long-Lasting Freshness

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months to preserve its delicious flavor.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture.
  • Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, allowing it to return to its original delightful consistency.

Pairings That Match the Spiced Apple Flavor

  • Pair the warm, spiced Amish Applesauce Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that highlights the cake's rich, autumnal notes.
  • Serve with a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced chai tea or a robust black coffee to accentuate the cake's deep, aromatic spices and complement its moist texture.
  • Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed cake to add a delightful crunch and enhance the existing nut flavors, creating a more complex taste experience.
  • Enjoy alongside a warm apple cider or mulled wine during fall and winter months to create a cozy, comforting dessert moment that echoes the cake's homey, traditional roots.

Different Takes on Classic Amish Cake

Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake’s rich, moist texture.

Vegan Spice Cake: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and choose dairy-free milk for the glaze to create a compassionate, animal-friendly dessert.

Low-Sugar Apple Comfort: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake’s warm, comforting spice profile.

Nut-Free Autumn Treat: Omit nuts completely and increase raisins or add dried cranberries for a safe alternative that works perfectly for those with nut allergies, keeping the cake’s classic autumn essence.

Why Amish Applesauce Cake Is Worth Making Again

Why Amish Applesauce Cake Is Worth Making Again
  • Create a moist, flavorful cake with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress.
  • Packed with warm spices and nostalgic Amish recipe charm, this cake brings generations together around the table with its comforting taste.
  • Whip up this cake in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for spontaneous sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Adaptable recipe allows adding nuts or raisins, works for casual gatherings, potlucks, or quiet family dessert nights with simple ingredients most people already have in their pantry.

Ingredients That Bring Out the Apple Spice Charm

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Soft, sweet base that creates a rich, tender cake texture. Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for best flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure. Fresh, room-temperature eggs work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor. Pure vanilla extract recommended over artificial.
  • Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness. Unsweetened applesauce preferred for better control of sugar content.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for the cake. Use unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help cake rise and become light. Ensure they are fresh and not expired.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Spices and Mix-Ins:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create classic Amish cake flavor. Use ground, fresh spices for best results.
  • Raisins, Nuts: Optional mix-ins that add texture and extra flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze. Sift to remove lumps.
  • Milk or Cream: Thins and smooths glaze. Adjust for desired consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.

Baking Instructions for a Soft and Sweet Finish

Baking Instructions for a Soft and Sweet Finish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch or 9-inch round cake pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a big mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture looks light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Crack eggs one by one into the creamy mixture, stirring after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and applesauce, mixing until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 4: Blend Dry Components

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly add the 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 the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Let the Cake Chill

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Optional Glaze Magic

For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or cream
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle this silky glaze over the cooled cake for a stunning finish.

Tips for Perfect Moisture in Every Slice

  • Customize Your Cake: Swap raisins and nuts with dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
  • Moisture Magic: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter that bakes perfectly.
  • Storage Savvy: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain its soft texture.
  • Glaze Game: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating.
  • Healthier Spin: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition without compromising the cake's delicious flavor.
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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm nostalgia fills kitchens with Amish Applesauce Cake, a heartwarming slice of countryside comfort. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dense, moist dessert invites you to savor generations of traditional baking wisdom.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins:

  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch or 9-inch round pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the creamed mixture, then introduce vanilla extract and applesauce, stirring until harmoniously combined.
  4. Create a separate mixing bowl to sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture. If desired, fold in raisins and nuts for additional depth and complexity.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean.
  7. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
  8. For an optional luxurious finish, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract until a silky glaze forms. Drizzle artfully over the completely cooled cake.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, soft apples like Fuji or Golden Delicious for the most flavorful homemade applesauce, ensuring a moist and rich cake texture.
  • Replace traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s delicate crumb.
  • Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile and added nutritional variety, keeping the cake’s traditional rustic charm.
  • Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened applesauce and cutting granulated sugar by 25%, creating a lighter, less sweet version without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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