A freshly baked Amish Applesauce Cake brings together the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices in a dessert that is both simple and satisfying. Made with everyday pantry staples, this traditional cake has a wonderfully soft texture thanks to the addition of unsweetened applesauce. Cinnamon and nutmeg give each bite a cozy flavor that makes this recipe perfect for any season. Whether you serve it after dinner, enjoy it with a cup of coffee, or share it during family gatherings, this easy cake is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a wonderful choice when you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The applesauce helps create a moist crumb, while vegetable oil keeps the cake tender from the first slice to the last. A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a classic spice cake flavor that feels warm and inviting.
Another advantage of this recipe is its flexibility. You can enjoy the cake plain, add a dusting of powdered sugar, or serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. If you like a little crunch, chopped walnuts are a great addition, but they can easily be left out if preferred.
At Richy Bites, Alessia believes the best recipes are the ones that combine simple ingredients with dependable results. This old-fashioned applesauce cake is a perfect example of homemade baking at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chopped walnuts, optional | 1/2 cup |
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Making Amish Applesauce Cake is easy and requires only a few simple mixing steps. Start by combining the applesauce, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients before gradually stirring them into the wet mixture. Fold in the walnuts if you want additional texture.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into a prepared baking pan and bake until the cake is beautifully golden and fully cooked. Allow it to cool briefly before transferring it to a wire rack, where it can finish cooling before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Add the applesauce, sugar, and vegetable oil to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Stir only until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if you are using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the batter evenly across the pan.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack until completely cooled.
- Cut into slices and serve.
Helpful Tips
Measure the flour carefully to maintain a light texture.
Avoid overmixing because it can make the cake dense.
Choose unsweetened applesauce for the best balance of sweetness.
Begin checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time since ovens vary.
Cool the cake completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet with warm cinnamon and nutmeg |
| Texture | Soft, moist, and tender |
| Cuisine | Amish-inspired American |
| Category | Dessert |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
Notes and Variations
Mix raisins into the batter for extra sweetness.
Replace the walnuts with chopped pecans if desired.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Use cinnamon applesauce for a richer spice flavor.
Add a small amount of ground cloves or allspice for additional warmth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may differ depending on the ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in Amish Applesauce Cake?
This cake is prepared with unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional chopped walnuts. These simple ingredients create a moist, flavorful dessert with a classic homemade taste.
Why is Amish Applesauce Cake so moist?
The applesauce supplies natural moisture throughout the batter, while the vegetable oil helps keep the crumb soft and tender. Together, they allow the cake to stay fresh for several days without drying out.
Can you freeze Amish Applesauce Cake?
Yes. Cool the cake completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
How do you store Amish Applesauce Cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week. Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Storage Instructions
Once the cake has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored on the counter for up to three days or refrigerated for up to one week. If you would like to keep it longer, wrap it securely and freeze it for up to three months. Allow frozen cake to thaw before serving so it regains its soft texture.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake | Moist Homemade Spice Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert made with unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, and simple pantry ingredients. This easy homemade cake has a soft crumb and works well for dessert, coffee breaks, holidays, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C.
2. Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. Add the applesauce, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil to a large mixing bowl.
4. Stir until the wet ingredients are smooth and fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
7. Stir gently until no visible streaks of flour remain.
8. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
10. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
11. Bake for about 45 minutes.
12. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
13. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
14. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
15. Slice and serve plain or with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness balanced.
Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling the top.
Avoid overmixing the batter because too much mixing can create a dense texture.
Begin checking the cake a few minutes before the full baking time because ovens vary.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Chopped pecans can replace walnuts.
Raisins or dried cranberries can be folded into the batter.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
A pinch of ground cloves or allspice adds deeper spice notes.
Cinnamon applesauce can be used for a stronger cinnamon flavor.
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze tightly wrapped cake or individual slices for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cake at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary by ingredient brand and serving size.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish-Inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Conclusion
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a classic dessert that proves simple ingredients can create outstanding flavor. Its moist texture, gentle blend of spices, and effortless preparation make it a wonderful choice for everyday baking as well as special occasions. Whether you enjoy a slice with coffee, serve it after dinner, or share it with family and friends, this homemade cake delivers comforting flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a timeless dessert that’s sure to earn a permanent place in your collection.