Amish Applesauce Cake – A Cozy Old-Fashioned Dessert Full of Warm Spices
Amish Applesauce Cake – A Cozy Old-Fashioned Dessert Full of Warm Spices
There are certain desserts that feel like a warm hug from the past — the kind you can almost taste before you even take a bite. Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those timeless treats. It’s humble, wholesome, and filled with that unmistakable warmth that only a spiced cake can bring.
I still remember the first time I tried this cake — it was at a small country fair years ago. The aroma alone was enough to stop me in my tracks: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling in the air like a promise of something special. When I finally took a bite, it tasted like comfort itself — moist, flavorful, and beautifully simple. It didn’t need frosting piled high or any fancy decorations. It was just perfect, exactly as it was.
This recipe captures everything that’s wonderful about old-fashioned baking: real ingredients, no shortcuts, and that slow, satisfying process of stirring, smelling, and waiting for the oven to fill the kitchen with cozy sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a chilly afternoon, or just because you crave something homemade, this Amish Applesauce Cake is the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Amish Applesauce Cake
A moist and spiced old-fashioned applesauce cake that’s packed with flavor and topped with a sweet glaze!
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)
A Little Slice of Amish Tradition
Amish baking is rooted in simplicity and sustainability. Recipes like this one were often made with pantry staples — flour, sugar, butter, and applesauce — ingredients that were easy to find on the farm. Nothing fancy, just pure, delicious practicality. That’s what makes this cake feel so nostalgic.
The applesauce was often homemade, simmered down from orchard-fresh apples during harvest season. When winter came around, that applesauce found its way into desserts, bringing a touch of sweetness and moisture to otherwise humble cakes. The result was a dessert that stayed fresh longer, tasted comforting, and could easily be shared with family or neighbors.
When you bake this cake today, you’re not just making dessert — you’re carrying on a tradition of simplicity, warmth, and sharing that’s been passed down for generations.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
1. Use homemade or unsweetened applesauce.
If you can, go for unsweetened applesauce or make your own by simmering peeled apples with a bit of water and cinnamon. It gives the cake a fresher, fruitier depth of flavor.
2. Add raisins or chopped dates.
Want a bit more texture? Stir in half a cup of raisins or dates when you add the nuts. They blend beautifully with the warm spices.
3. Make it dairy-free.
Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a good-quality vegan butter alternative. The cake stays moist and flavorful, and the coconut hint adds a lovely twist.
4. Skip the glaze for a rustic version.
The glaze is optional — this cake is equally delicious dusted with powdered sugar or served plain. For something extra special, top it with cream cheese frosting instead.
5. Spice it up your way.
If you’re a spice lover, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a slightly bolder flavor.
Serving Ideas
This cake is the perfect companion to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee. Serve it warm for breakfast with a pat of butter, or after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During the holidays, I love serving it alongside mulled cider or hot chocolate — the combination is pure comfort.
It’s also a fantastic dessert to bring to potlucks, bake sales, or family dinners. Because it travels well and stays moist for days, you can make it a day ahead and it’ll still taste fresh and tender.
If you’re entertaining, slice it into neat squares, dust with powdered sugar, and add a few thin apple slices or cinnamon sticks for decoration — simple, rustic, and beautiful.
Storage and Freezing Tips
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At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It actually gets better on the second day as the spices settle and deepen in flavor.
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In the Refrigerator: If you’ve added glaze or frosting, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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To Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds — it tastes freshly baked every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Yes! Just make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to keep the cake from being overly sweet.
Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different but still soft and moist.
Q3: What type of nuts work best?
Walnuts and pecans are traditional, but you can use almonds or skip the nuts entirely if you prefer.
Q4: Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes — divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes. They make perfect individual portions!
