Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out: tender, tenderly spiced, and effortlessly comforting. Imagine a slice packed with cinnamon-kissed applesauce, dotted with plump raisins and crunchy nuts pure nostalgia on a plate!

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Fun fact: Amish cooks have perfected this cake over generations, relying on applesauce as both sweetener and moisture-booster, long before “low-fat” was a kitchen trend. Compared to our popular Amish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, this cake is quicker to prepare and just as crowd-pleasing. Ready your whisk and your taste buds—this recipe will become your family’s new favorite in no time!

What Is Amish Applesauce Cake?

Have you ever wondered why we call it “Amish Applesauce Cake”? Is there a secret Amish ingredient belt? Not quite but the name celebrates the Amish tradition of turning humble pantry staples into something extraordinary. Rumor has it, an old proverb in Amish country goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake takes that to heart literally!

Picture Aunt Clara’s farm kitchen: applesauce bubbling on the stove, cinnamon in the air, and loved ones gathering round. Intrigued? I dare you to give it a try and see why this sweet, spiced loaf has stuck around for centuries.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

amish applesauce cake step by step
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe 20
  • Moist, Spiced Perfection: Thanks to unsweetened applesauce and warm spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice), every bite is a symphony of flavor and texture.
  • Budget-Friendly Baking: No pricey extracts or specialty flours—just pantry staples you already own. Homemade applesauce doubles as sweetener and fat-reducer, helping you save money without skimping on taste.
  • Delightful Mix-Ins: Raisins, chopped walnuts (or pecans) add bursts of sweetness and crunch. Feeling adventurous? Swap in dried cranberries or chocolate chips for a playful twist.
    If you love this, don’t miss our hearty Amish Beef Stew Recipe—another simple, soul-warming classic. Now, grab that mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

This Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe comes together in under 15 minutes of prep and bakes in just 35–40 minutes. No fancy equipment—just a bowl and whisk! The result is a tender, lightly sweet loaf that’s perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.

Flat lay of ingredients for Amish applesauce cake including flour, brown sugar, applesauce, and spices.
Everything you need to make this cozy Amish Applesauce Cake from scratch.
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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Ruthie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1215 servings 1x

Description

This moist and warmly spiced Amish Applesauce Cake is a timeless classic made with simple pantry staples like applesauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. It’s an easy, budget-friendly treat that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy evenings with tea.

Homemade Amish applesauce cake recipe
Freshly baked Amish Applesauce Cake – rich, spiced, and comforting, just like Grandma used to make.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups packed brown sugar

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground allspice

1 cup raisins (optional)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Flat lay of ingredients for Amish applesauce cake including flour, brown sugar, applesauce, and spices.
Everything you need to make this cozy Amish Applesauce Cake from scratch.


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the applesauce and mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  5. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in raisins and nuts, if using.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Let cool in the pan, then dust with powdered sugar or top with glaze before serving.
Step-by-step photo collage of making Amish applesauce cake, from mixing to baking to slicing.
From mixing bowl to oven – here’s how this heartwarming Amish Applesauce Cake comes together.

Notes

Use homemade applesauce for extra flavor if available.

Optional toppings: powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, or cream cheese frosting.

This cake freezes well—wrap slices individually and store for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Amish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

What to Serve with Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

  • Hot Beverage Pairings: A cup of black tea, spiced chai, or fresh-brewed coffee complements the cake’s sweetness and spice.
  • Fruit Compote: Warm apple or berry compote adds a fruity brightness—perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
  • Savory Sides: Serve alongside a mild cheese board (think cheddar or Brie) and crunchy crackers for an unexpected sweet-savory balance.

Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

  • Applesauce Quality: Use unsweetened, chunky applesauce for best texture. Homemade applesauce (just cooked, mashed apples) makes it extra special!
  • Spice Balance: If you prefer a milder cake, reduce cloves and allspice to ¼ teaspoon each. For extra warmth, add a pinch more cinnamon.
  • Mix-In Variations: Swap raisins for dried cranberries and walnuts for slivered almonds. Chocolate chips also work wonderfully for a fun twist!
  • Don’t Over-mix: Stir until ingredients are just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense, gummy crumb.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm briefly in the microwave or oven for that “fresh-baked” experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking, elegant enough for holiday gatherings, and budget-friendly enough to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re new to Amish desserts or a seasoned fan, this cake delivers on nostalgia, ease, and pure, spiced comfort. Ready to add it to your baking repertoire? Let’s get mixing!

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

You can, but reduce added sugar by ¼ cup to avoid an overly sweet cake.

How do I make homemade applesauce?

Peel, core, and chop about 4–5 apples. Simmer with ¼ cup water until soft (10–15 minutes), then mash or blend to desired consistency

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure

What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?

Heat individual slices for 10–15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) in the oven.

For more beloved Amish dishes, explore our collection on Pinterest or dive into classics like our Amish Hamburger Steak Bake and Amish Church Soup Recipe. Enjoy baking—and happy tasting

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