There’s a certain kind of magic in old-fashioned recipes—the kind that fills your kitchen with warmth, the smell of spices, and a sense of nostalgia. This Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those classics: simple, wholesome, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Moist and tender, this cake is infused with cinnamon and nutmeg and sweetened naturally with applesauce for a rich, comforting flavor that never goes out of style.
The Amish are known for their simple yet deeply flavorful baked goods, often created with ingredients from their own farms. Applesauce has long been a staple in Amish kitchens because it adds moisture, sweetness, and richness without relying on lots of butter or oil. This cake embodies that rustic charm—no frills, no fuss, just pure homemade goodness.
Whether you enjoy it plain, sprinkled with powdered sugar, layered with a vanilla glaze, or topped with cream cheese frosting, this cake is a versatile dessert that works just as well for weeknight baking as it does for holiday gatherings.
📝 Why You’ll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake
- Incredibly Moist: Applesauce makes this cake tender and soft without being heavy.
- Warmly Spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that classic cozy flavor we all crave.
- Beginner-Friendly: No special equipment or fancy techniques required.
- Versatile: Bake it as a loaf, cupcakes, or even layer cake!
- Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need, plus substitution tips to make this recipe work for you.
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for structure; spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking soda + ½ tsp baking powder – A blend of leaveners for the perfect rise.
- 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg – The warm spice duo that gives this cake its classic Amish flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce – The star ingredient; keeps the cake moist and naturally sweet.
- ½ cup granulated sugar + ½ cup brown sugar – White sugar for structure, brown sugar for caramel notes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and tenderness; substitute oil for a lighter cake.
- 2 large eggs – Help bind the ingredients and create a soft crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – For crunch and flavor.
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries – Adds chewiness and natural sweetness.
- Pinch of cloves or allspice – For a deeper, more complex spice profile.
🍴 Equipment Checklist
You don’t need anything fancy, but here’s what makes the process easier:
- 9-inch square or round cake pan (or loaf pan for variation)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand or stand mixer (optional but helpful)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, and lightly dust it with flour for easy cake release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of leaveners and spices.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air for a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Stir in the applesauce—your batter will smell amazing at this point!
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.
Step 6: Add Nuts or Raisins
If desired, fold in nuts or raisins for texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
🍯 Quick Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake. Adjust thickness with extra sugar (for thicker) or milk (for thinner).
🔥 Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour to avoid a dense cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs help the batter mix evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir only until dry streaks disappear for a light crumb.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is ready; overbaking dries it out.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool fully before adding glaze or frosting.
🍰 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with hot apple cider, chai tea, or a latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Slice thinly and serve on a dessert platter for holiday parties.
🥶 Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
🍂 Variations to Try
- Loaf Cake: Bake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan for 40–45 minutes.
- Cupcakes: Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
- Spice Lovers: Add a pinch of ginger, cloves, or cardamom.
- Frosting Options: Try cream cheese frosting or caramel glaze.
📝 FAQs About Amish Applesauce Cake
1. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance sweetness.
2. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake, wrap, and store for up to 3 days before serving.
3. Do I need a mixer?
No, you can mix this cake entirely by hand with a whisk and spatula.
4. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing or too much flour may cause density. Always spoon and level flour.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 35–40 minutes.
📜 Printable Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Servings | 9–12 slices |
| Calories | ~280 per slice |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup walnuts or raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch pan.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and applesauce; mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; fold in nuts/raisins.
- Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool before glazing or serving.
🎉 Final Thoughts: A Cake That Feels Like Home
This Amish Applesauce Cake is proof that simplicity is timeless. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and old-fashioned charm, it’s the kind of dessert that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table, a potluck, or a quiet evening at home, this cake will make your home smell incredible and your taste buds happy.
