Amish Applesauce Cake

by Sophia

There’s just something about the smell of apples and warm spices baking in the oven that brings back all the cozy, heartwarming feelings of home. This Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those timeless recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you grew up with it or are trying it for the first time, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to slow down, pour a cup of tea or coffee, and savor every bite.

I first discovered this cake at a fall church potluck years ago, tucked among casseroles and crockpots full of comfort food. One bite and I was hooked. It was soft, moist, and not overly sweet, with that perfect balance of cinnamon and nutmeg that just sings of autumn. But let’s be honest, I’ve been known to bake this year-round because it’s that good—and thankfully, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What makes this recipe really special is its simplicity. No fancy mixers or hard-to-find ingredients. Just basic pantry staples, a bit of applesauce, and a little love. The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist, and the warm spices give it that signature cozy flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover applesauce sitting in the fridge. You can even throw in some chopped walnuts or raisins if you’re feeling extra nostalgic (or just want a little texture).

So whether you’re baking this for a holiday gathering, a midweek treat, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this Amish Applesauce Cake is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ cup applesauce
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

STEP 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This cake bakes up beautifully in either a 9-inch round or square baking pan—whichever one you’ve got handy works just fine. Lightly grease the pan and dust it with a bit of flour to make sure the cake doesn’t stick. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper if you want a guaranteed easy release.

STEP 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so you don’t end up with clumps or uneven flavor.

STEP 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Don’t skip this part—it’s key to getting that soft, tender crumb we’re aiming for.

STEP 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in your eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce. The applesauce brings all the moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake, plus it helps bind everything together. Once mixed, your batter will be smooth, a little thick, and smell absolutely amazing.

Now that we’ve mixed up that rich, spiced batter, it’s time to bring this Amish Applesauce Cake to life in the oven. One of the best things about this recipe is how beautifully it comes together with just a few more simple steps. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this cake is about as foolproof as it gets—and the end result is pure homemade comfort.

Before we dive into the final steps, let’s talk about add-ins. The recipe includes the option of chopped walnuts or raisins, and while they’re totally optional, I have to say they add a lovely texture and just the right touch of nostalgia. I personally love using walnuts when I want a bit of crunch, but golden raisins bring a nice sweetness too. You can even toss in a handful of both if you like to live a little dangerously.

Alright, let’s finish this cake strong.

STEP 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into your butter, sugar, and applesauce mixture. You can do this in two or three additions—just mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix here. You want the batter to be smooth but not overworked, which can make the cake dense.

If you’re adding walnuts or raisins, gently fold them into the batter at this point. They’ll distribute easily and stay suspended in the cake for that perfect bite every time.

STEP 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. This batter spreads easily, and it doesn’t rise a ton, so make sure it’s level for even baking.

Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look golden brown and slightly springy when you touch it. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. That cooling time helps the crumb set up nicely and makes slicing super easy.

Serving Suggestions and Simple Finishes

This cake is absolutely lovely all on its own—no frosting required. But if you’re feeling fancy, here are a few ways to dress it up:

Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the warm spices.
Simple glaze: Whisk together a cup of powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk or cream, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a glossy finish.
Cream cheese frosting: If you want a richer, more indulgent dessert, a light layer of cream cheese frosting turns this into something special enough for celebrations.

One of my favorite ways to serve this cake is with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. It also makes a great addition to a brunch table, especially around the holidays when warm spices are in full swing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake actually gets better after sitting for a day, which makes it perfect for making ahead. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more tender.

Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container on the counter for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: You can also freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

We’re in the home stretch! By now, you’ve either baked your Amish Applesauce Cake or you’re just about ready to preheat that oven. Before we wrap things up, I want to answer some of the most common questions that come up when people make this cake for the first time—or even the tenth. Because once you fall in love with it, you’ll definitely be making it again.

Whether you’re tweaking the recipe to fit dietary needs, curious about flavor swaps, or just wondering how to store it best, I’ve got you covered below.

FAQ: Amish Applesauce Cake

1. Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that it may make the cake a little sweeter overall. If you’re using sweetened applesauce, you might consider reducing the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons.

2. What can I substitute for butter?
You can use an equal amount of vegetable oil or even coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version. The cake will still be moist, but the flavor might change slightly depending on the oil you choose.

3. Do I have to add nuts or raisins?
Nope, totally optional. The cake is delicious on its own. The walnuts and raisins just add a bit of texture and that classic “Amish” feel, but feel free to skip them or swap in something else like chopped dates or pecans.

4. Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different, but it still turns out moist and flavorful.

5. How can I make this cake into cupcakes or muffins?
Great idea! Simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins (about ¾ full) and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test around the 18-minute mark.

6. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan. You’ll likely need to increase the baking time to around 40–45 minutes—just keep checking for doneness.

7. What frosting goes best with this cake?
While it’s lovely as-is, a cream cheese frosting or even a maple glaze pairs beautifully with the warm spices. If you’re in the mood for something simple, a vanilla glaze or dusting of powdered sugar does the trick, too.

Wrapping It Up: The Cozy Cake You’ll Come Back To

There’s a reason why this Amish Applesauce Cake has stood the test of time—it’s simple, satisfying, and filled with the kind of warm flavors that never go out of style. I love how easy it is to whip up with pantry staples, and how it fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma while it bakes.

This cake is perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to a potluck, or just enjoying at home with a warm drink and a quiet moment. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need a lot of fuss to shine—and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you go with raisins or walnuts? Maybe added your own twist? Drop a comment and let me know—I’m always excited to see how others make these classic recipes their own.

Until next time, happy baking—and don’t forget to save yourself that last slice. Trust me, you’ll want it.