Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert that brings together the simplicity of traditional baking and the warmth of nostalgic flavors. With applesauce at its heart, this cake is soft, rich, and subtly sweet—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a quiet evening with a warm drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly this cake comes together using everyday ingredients from my pantry. The applesauce makes the texture incredibly moist without needing butter, while the spices bring out deep, comforting flavors that remind me of fall. I can dress it up with raisins and nuts or keep it simple for a cozy, old-fashioned treat. It’s one of those recipes that always turns out right and makes the house smell amazing while it bakes.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, I combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- I slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- I fold in the raisins and nuts if I’m using them.
- I pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake it for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- I let the cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: ~280
Variations
- I swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.
- I replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil for a vegan version.
- I sometimes add a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
- I like to add a bit of ground ginger or allspice for a spicier kick.
- I occasionally toss in chopped apples or dried cranberries to change up the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, I wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy a slice, I just microwave it for 20–30 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
FAQs
How long does the cake stay fresh?
I find that the cake stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I bake this cake ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day in advance. I think the flavors deepen overnight and taste even better the next day.
What can I substitute for applesauce?
When I’m out of applesauce, I use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree as a substitute—it changes the flavor a bit, but still works great.
Is it okay to leave out the raisins and nuts?
Absolutely. I sometimes skip them if I want a simpler cake. The base recipe is still moist and flavorful on its own.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, I’ve used loaf pans or even muffin tins before. I just adjust the baking time depending on the size—less time for smaller pans.
Conclusion
This Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those timeless recipes I always come back to. It’s easy, flexible, and full of comforting spice. Whether I’m baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just because, this cake never disappoints. I like to keep it simple, but the options for customizing it make it feel new every time I bake it.
Amish Applesauce Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish / American Traditional
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced classic made with pantry staples like applesauce, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s an old-fashioned dessert that delivers cozy flavor and nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or coffee breaks, this traditional cake is easy to bake and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, oil, and eggs. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in raisins and chopped nuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before serving. Optional: top with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan adaptation.
- Swap vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped apples, dried cranberries, or a cream cheese glaze for extra variety.
- Cake flavors deepen the next day—perfect for make-ahead baking.
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