Amish Applesauce Cake

Amish Applesauce Cake

Amish Applesauce Cake is a classic, old-fashioned dessert known for its moist texture, warm spices, and tender crumb. Applesauce keeps the cake soft without needing a lot of fat, making it naturally lighter, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add cozy flavor. It’s excellent on its own, with tea or coffee, or lightly frosted for a special touch.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the glaze (optional)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 teaspoons milk or apple juice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add applesauce and combine
Mix in the applesauce until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts and raisins if using.

5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and glaze (optional)
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If using a glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Best Results

• Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness.

• For extra moisture, add ½ cup finely grated carrots.

• Toasted nuts enhance flavor and texture.

• Cake can be made a day ahead—flavors develop beautifully overnight.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.