Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

The Cozy Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe: Sweet Farmhouse Charm

Baking an enchanting amish applesauce cake brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Sweet memories of grandmother’s recipes dance through my mind whenever I mix these ingredients.

Warm spices create a nostalgic aroma that fills every corner with happiness.

Simple pantry staples combine into something magical and deeply satisfying.

Rustic and unpretentious, this cake celebrates traditional baking techniques passed down through generations.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful treat that connects you to farmhouse kitchens of yesteryear.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets behind this heartwarming dessert together.

Amish Applesauce Cake Full of Nostalgic Flavor

  • Bake with Simplicity: This Amish Applesauce Cake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake captures the cozy essence of autumn and winter gatherings.
  • Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Using common pantry staples and applesauce, this recipe turns basic ingredients into a delightful, moist dessert that feels special without extra effort.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend treats, this cake adapts easily to different occasions and satisfies diverse taste preferences.

Ingredients for Traditional Amish Applesauce Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Flour: The primary structure and texture builder for the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a tender cake crumb.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
For the Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that give the cake its classic Amish flavor profile.
For the Extras and Binding Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cake rise and create a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cake.
  • Raisins, Nuts: Optional ingredients that add texture and extra flavor.
For the Optional Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create a sweet drizzle to finish the cake.

Step-by-Step Amish Applesauce Cake Baking Guide

Step-by-Step Amish Applesauce Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, then fold in the applesauce for extra moisture.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, gently fold in:
  • Raisins
  • Chopped nuts

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 6: Cool Down

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

Step 7: Add a Sweet Finishing Touch

For an optional glaze, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle the smooth glaze over the cooled cake.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Slice the cake and enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. This classic Amish treat brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Tips to Perfect Amish Applesauce Cake Texture

  • Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile and texture variation.
  • Use room temperature applesauce to ensure even cake consistency and prevent dense baking results.
  • Toss chopped nuts in a little flour before adding to batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent dropping to cake bottom.
  • Toast ground spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the dry ingredients to intensify their aromatic flavors and create a more complex taste.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain cake's structural integrity and soft texture.

Variations to Enhance Amish Applesauce Cake

  • Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier texture and added nutritional value.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and softness.
  • Vegan Victory: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk in the glaze for a dairy-free version.
  • Autumn Spice Boost: Add extra warming spices like ginger and cardamom, and include diced fresh apples to intensify the fall flavor profile.

Pairings That Complement Amish Applesauce Cake

  • Pair Spiced Warmth with Complementary Beverages: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee to highlight the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Enhance Dessert Experience with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cake's spicy undertones.
  • Create Seasonal Harmony with Beverage Choices: Steep a hot chai tea or mulled apple cider to echo the cake's autumnal flavors and warming spices.
  • Elevate Texture Contrast with Drink Selections: Pour a cold glass of whole milk to provide a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the cake's dense, moist texture.

Proper Storage to Keep Amish Applesauce Cake Fresh

  • Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Slice cake, place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-10 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain cake's soft texture.

FAQs

  • Why is applesauce used in this cake?

Applesauce acts as a moisture-rich ingredient that helps create a tender, soft texture while reducing the amount of oil or butter needed in the recipe.

  • Can I make this cake without raisins or nuts?

Absolutely! The cake recipe is flexible, and you can easily omit raisins and nuts or substitute them with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

  • Is this a traditional Amish recipe?

Yes, this cake reflects the simple, hearty baking style of Amish communities, focusing on wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation methods.

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Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Amish applesauce cake brings warmth from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens, blending nostalgic spices with comforting sweetness. Rustic ingredients and simple techniques invite you to savor a slice of heartland comfort in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Glaze Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and aerated. Incorporate eggs individually, then fold in applesauce until well integrated.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to eliminate potential lumps.
  4. Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Delicately fold raisins and nuts throughout the batter to ensure even distribution.
  5. Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking. Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center.
  6. Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent moisture buildup.
  7. For optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky and pourable. Drizzle elegantly over completely cooled cake surface.
  8. Slice into generous portions and serve alongside a warm beverage for a comforting dessert experience.

Notes

  • Swap applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for a different flavor twist that keeps the cake moist and adds nutritional variety.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake celiac-friendly without compromising the tender texture and traditional spice profile.
  • Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch, creating more depth in each delightful bite.
  • Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option that maintains the cake’s rich sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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