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Amish Applesauce Cake pinterest

Amish Applesauce Cake

This traditional Amish Applesauce Cake recipe has been perfected over 200 years, offering the perfect balance of spices and moist texture from applesauce. A simple yet delicious comfort food that delivers heartwarming flavors with minimal effort.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Amish
Keyword: Applesauce Cake, Amish Baking, Spice Cake, Traditional Cake, Moist Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 245kcal

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch Square Baking Pan
  • Electric Mixer
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

For the cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (or 1/2 cup coconut oil for dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar can use 3/4 cup coconut sugar for a less refined alternative
  • 1 large egg room temperature (or flax egg for vegan version)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce homemade provides more complex flavors
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup raisins optional; cranberries make an excellent alternative
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

For the cream cheese frosting (optional)

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until thoroughly combined.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the egg and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled – this is normal.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don't overmix.
  • If using, fold in the raisins and nuts by hand with a spatula.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • If frosting, mix all frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over the cooled cake. For a true Amish finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar is often preferred over frosting.

Notes

This cake actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days in advance, as the spices have time to meld. Unsweetened, homemade applesauce with a chunky texture provides the best flavor and moisture. Add 1 cup of diced fresh apples tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour for extra texture and flavor. Store unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate frosted cake for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 6mg
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