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