Description
This easy, moist Amish applesauce cake is packed with warm spices and applesauce for a tender crumb and nostalgic flavor. Perfect for dessert, snacking, or sharing at gatherings, it stays fresh for days and is simple to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (255g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (480g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup (150g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Simple glaze: 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in applesauce and vanilla extract. Mixture may look curdled.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in nuts and raisins or dried cranberries, if using.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For vegan, use coconut oil and flax eggs. Homemade applesauce adds extra flavor but should be thick, not watery. Adjust spices to taste. Cake tastes even better on day two as flavors deepen. Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze slices for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Amish applesauce cake, applesauce cake, easy cake recipe, moist cake, old-fashioned dessert, cinnamon cake, fall dessert, comfort food, homemade cake, family recipe