Amish Applesauce Cake – Old-Fashioned Comfort in Every Bite
Amish Applesauce Cake – Old-Fashioned Comfort in Every Bite
Some recipes feel like time travel — one bite and you’re back in a simpler era, when kitchens smelled like cinnamon, and love was baked into every dessert. This Amish Applesauce Cake is exactly that kind of recipe. Moist, perfectly spiced, and finished with a sweet glaze, it’s the kind of cake your grandmother might have pulled from the oven on a cool autumn afternoon.
When I first baked this cake, the entire house filled with the scent of warm apples and spices. It reminded me of Sunday dinners, when dessert wasn’t about fancy frostings or decorations — just a comforting slice of something homemade. Amish baking has that charm: no shortcuts, no frills, just honest ingredients and old-fashioned goodness.
What makes this cake special is its balance. The applesauce keeps it tender and moist without being heavy, and the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives it that unmistakable nostalgic warmth. It’s simple enough to make any day of the week, yet elegant enough to serve to guests with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze.
If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like home, this Amish Applesauce Cake is pure comfort on a plate.
Amish Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups applesauce
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Add applesauce, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Stir in nuts if using. Pour into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Let cool and drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze. (Optional)
The Story Behind Amish Applesauce Cake
Amish recipes are all about simplicity and resourcefulness. Traditionally, Amish families baked using what was available in their pantries — flour, sugar, spices, and, of course, applesauce. Apples were plentiful and easy to preserve, making applesauce a staple ingredient in many old-fashioned desserts.
This cake’s beauty lies in its rustic charm. It doesn’t need fancy frosting or decoration to impress; its flavor speaks for itself. The applesauce not only adds natural sweetness but also replaces some of the fat you’d find in traditional cakes, giving it that beautiful, tender crumb.
And perhaps what makes it most special is the feeling it brings: that sense of gathering around the table, sharing something simple yet deeply satisfying.
Baking Tips and Substitutions
1. Use homemade applesauce for extra flavor.
If you can, use chunky or unsweetened homemade applesauce. It gives the cake a fresher, more authentic taste and lets the spices shine through.
2. Add raisins or chopped dates.
For a touch of natural sweetness and texture, fold in a handful of raisins or dates with the nuts. They pair beautifully with the spice blend.
3. Make it dairy-free.
You can swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
4. Don’t skip the cooling time.
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the cake cool slightly before glazing allows the texture to set — and the glaze won’t melt off too quickly.
5. Spice it your way.
Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of ginger or allspice. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your favorite spice combinations.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect served slightly warm with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. For something a little fancier, top it with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream
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A dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon
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A light cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence
It also makes an amazing breakfast treat with coffee or tea — especially on chilly mornings when you want something cozy but not too heavy. And because it’s not overly sweet, it works beautifully as a snack cake, too.
If you’re hosting guests, cut it into neat squares, dust it with a touch of sugar, and watch it disappear within minutes.
Storage and Freezing Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist thanks to the applesauce, so it doesn’t dry out easily.
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Refrigeration: If you used glaze or cream frosting, store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
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Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave for a quick treat.
This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert — bake it on the weekend, freeze half, and enjoy homemade cake anytime you need a little comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, you can — but reduce the sugar slightly if your applesauce is very sweet. Unsweetened applesauce gives you better control over the flavor balance.
Q2: What kind of glaze works best?
A simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk (or cream) and vanilla is classic. You can also add a touch of maple syrup for a richer, autumn-inspired twist.
Q3: Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead?
Absolutely. Divide the batter into two greased loaf pans and bake for about 40–45 minutes. You’ll have two lovely loaves perfect for gifting or freezing.
Q4: How can I make it more festive?
Add chopped dried cranberries, a hint of orange zest, or even a light caramel drizzle. It turns this humble cake into a beautiful holiday dessert.
