If you’ve ever longed for a dessert that is both comforting and full of cozy, nostalgic flavor, you’re about to fall in love with Amish Applesauce Cake. This beautifully spiced sheet cake is effortless to make, delightfully moist from homemade (or store-bought!) applesauce, and perfectly suited for everything from after-dinner treats to holiday get-togethers. It captures that warm, inviting feeling of a generations-old family recipe — and once you try a slice, there’s a good chance it’ll become part of your own bakery traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the basics for Amish Applesauce Cake is simple, but each ingredient brings something special to the table. These pantry staples — with a handful of flavor-boosting extras — give the cake its tender crumb, golden color, and unbeatable taste.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb, giving the cake a stable, tender bite.
- Baking soda: Ensures a fluffy rise and light texture in the finished cake.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors of the spices and applesauce.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings cozy warmth, signature to every great applesauce cake.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic complexity and old-fashioned charm.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch delivers an extra layer of spiced depth and richness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses moisture and a rich, creamy flavor into every slice.
- Granulated sugar: Offers traditional sweetness and helps create a lovely, tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a hint of caramel-molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the structure and richness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The heart and soul of this cake, making it moist and filling every bite with fruity sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s overall flavor and gives it a homey touch.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add delightful crunch and nutty flavor, if you love a bit of texture.
- Raisins (optional): Offer sweet-chewy bursts throughout for an extra layer of comfort.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
First, get your cake off to a great start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — a little swipe of butter or nonstick spray works wonders to ensure nothing sticks, and it’ll help you get those clean, easy slices later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining these dry ingredients first helps every bite of Amish Applesauce Cake taste evenly spiced and perfectly balanced, with all those aromatic flavors mingling right from the start.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds crucial air and texture to your cake batter, and the duo of sugars brings depth and rich sweetness that will make each slice unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Applesauce
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla for that lovely hint of home-baked flavor. Mix in the applesauce next — this is where the cake really transforms, turning luscious, soft, and impossibly moist.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until no streaks of flour remain. It’s best not to overmix; just fold until everything is barely combined for a tender, soft crumb.
Step 6: Add Nuts and Raisins (Optional)
If you love extra texture and a bit of nostalgic flair, fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and half a cup of raisins. These add-ins make every bite a little adventure, though the cake is just as fabulous without them.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure comfort! Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing or topping.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
There’s magic in simplicity, but a little garnish can turn Amish Applesauce Cake into a showstopper. A dusting of powdered sugar is delicate and classic, while a swoosh of cream cheese frosting ups the decadence. Even a handful of chopped nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunches and afternoon treats. For a holiday-worthy dessert plate, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled dollop of whipped cream — the warm spices and creamy chill are a dreamy match.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Cut Amish Applesauce Cake into small bites and stack them for a rustic trifle, layer slices with spiced apples and cream in jars for a picnic, or serve warm squares with cinnamon sauce. Kids love it as a lunchbox treat, and grown-ups will appreciate a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be thrilled to know that Amish Applesauce Cake stays moist and flavorful for days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate for up to a week — the flavors just keep improving!
Freezing
To freeze, let your cake cool completely, then wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to two months. Defrost slices at room temperature whenever cravings hit or a last-minute dessert is needed.
Reheating
Want to serve the cake warm, just like it’s fresh from the oven? Simply microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them into a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings out the spices and gives that irresistible just-baked softness to Amish Applesauce Cake.
FAQs
Do I have to use unsweetened applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce is best, as it lets you control the cake’s sweetness and highlights the natural flavor of the apples. If you only have sweetened applesauce, just reduce the granulated sugar by a bit to balance things out.
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you’ll get a delicious, tender cake everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to keep the cake extra moist?
The applesauce does most of the work to keep this cake perfectly moist, but storing it tightly covered will prevent it from drying out. A quick wrap right after cooling helps lock in that lovely texture.
Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts and raisins?
Definitely! Diced dried apples, golden raisins, or a handful of mini chocolate chips would all be delicious twists. Just watch the total amount of mix-ins so the cake stays fluffy.
Is Amish Applesauce Cake better the next day?
It truly is! The flavors develop and marry overnight, so it’s one of those desserts that actually improves after a little rest. Make it ahead for holidays or gatherings and prepare to impress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about sharing a warm, spiced slice of Amish Applesauce Cake, whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself at home. It’s simple, nostalgic, and bursting with homemade goodness. I hope you give this easy classic a try — your kitchen (and everyone lucky enough to enjoy it) will thank you!
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Amish Applesauce Cake that is moist, warmly spiced, and perfect for any occasion. This old-fashioned cake is easy to make and bursting with the flavors of apples and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Mix in applesauce until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Fold in nuts and raisins, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
