Print

Old-Fashioned Moist Amish Applesauce Cake

A close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick white frosting on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A recipe for a very moist, spiced cake made with applesauce, perfect for fall baking or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • For Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • For Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • For Frosting: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Frosting: 1 tablespoon milk (or more, as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a sheet cake, or 30 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until combined.
  12. Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  13. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • Use unsweetened applesauce for the best control over the cake’s sweetness.
  • For an extra spiced flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
  • This cake freezes well unfrosted for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/applesauce-cake-recipe-moist-amish/