Some cakes just feel like home—and this Amish Applesauce Cake is exactly that.
With its perfectly moist crumb, warm spices, and the subtle sweetness of applesauce, it’s a humble dessert that’s quietly extraordinary.
Every bite carries the cozy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—just the kind of cake you want with a hot cup of tea on a chilly day.
Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires no fancy tools or techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, moist texture from real applesauce
Warm, comforting flavor from classic spices
Easy one-bowl batter with pantry staples
No frosting needed—but optional glaze adds a sweet finish
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or potlucks
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Unsweetened applesauce – adds moisture and natural sweetness
Butter, granulated sugar & brown sugar – create a tender crumb and rich flavor
Eggs + vanilla extract – for structure and aroma
Flour, baking soda, baking powder – form the base and lift
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves – signature warming spices
Optional: raisins + walnuts or pecans – texture and old-fashioned charm
Powdered sugar glaze – simple, sweet, and optional
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing
Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined
Add raisins and nuts for traditional texture, or skip them if preferred
Make it ahead—it tastes even better the next day
For a sweeter bite, drizzle the glaze only after the cake is completely cool
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
If using, gently fold in raisins and chopped nuts.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Make the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing.
What to Serve It With
A mug of hot tea or black coffee
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
Warm apple cider or spiced chai latte
Fresh berries for color and contrast
Toasted pecans or extra raisins on top
Variations / Substitutions
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier bite
Swap pecans for walnuts, or skip nuts altogether
Add 1/2 cup chopped apples for more texture
Use spiced applesauce and reduce added spices
Turn into muffins—bake 18–20 mins at 350°F
Storage & Leftovers
Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerate up to 5 days—great for snacking all week
Freezes well—wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving
Best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Unsweetened is best for flavor control.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Substitute with all granulated sugar and add 1 tbsp molasses for richness.
Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, just grease it well and extend the bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but still moist.
Can I skip the glaze?
Definitely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an elegant, sweet finish.
Does this cake taste like apple?
Not overwhelmingly—it’s more about spice and moisture than a strong apple flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a cozy, humble treat that brings old-fashioned charm to any table.
It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and just sweet enough to feel like dessert without being heavy.
Serve it up for brunch, keep it on hand for afternoon tea, or enjoy it as a midnight snack.
However you slice it, this cake is always the right choice.
Full Recipe Card (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ cup raisins (optional)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13″ pan.
Cream butter with sugars until fluffy.
Beat in eggs, then add vanilla and applesauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, leavening agents, salt, and spices.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined. Fold in raisins and nuts if using.
Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 mins, then transfer to rack.
(Optional) Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.
