Amish Applesauce Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Easy to Bake

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.