Amish Apple Cake Recipe
This Amish Apple Cake Recipe is a moist, spiced dessert made with unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, and pantry staples. Inspired by traditional Amish baking, it's simple to prepare and perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or family get-togethers. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting for a rustic, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Optional Add-ins:
½–1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins
½ cup chocolate chips or shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in the applesauce and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Fold in optional add-ins like walnuts or raisins.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Notes
- You can use sweetened applesauce but reduce the sugar slightly.
- To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and milk.
- Serve with powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla ice cream.