There’s something magical about recipes that are passed down through generations. Amish Applesauce Cake has been a part of farmhouse kitchens for decades, maybe even centuries. Unlike modern desserts overloaded with processed shortcuts, this cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and of course—applesauce.
Why applesauce? Because it does two wonderful things at once: it keeps the cake incredibly moist while also lending a gentle sweetness and natural fruit flavor. Instead of being overly rich or heavy, this cake feels light and comforting, almost like a hug in dessert form.
And let’s not forget the spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves turn this humble cake into something that feels festive and warm. The aroma while it bakes will fill your kitchen with that cozy “home for the holidays” scent—even if it’s the middle of spring.
Top it with a simple vanilla glaze that soaks into the cake, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sweet but not cloying, rich but not overwhelming. It’s balanced, timeless, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Amish Applesauce Cake is how pantry-friendly it is. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients on hand.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds richness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – The main spice that brings warmth.
- ½ tsp nutmeg – Earthy and slightly sweet.
- ½ tsp cloves – Strong, aromatic, and cozy.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups applesauce – The star ingredient for moisture and flavor.
- ½ cup butter, melted – Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.
- 2 eggs – Bind everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) – Walnuts or pecans add crunch.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The base of the glaze.
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream – To thin the glaze.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – For flavor.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Applesauce – Unsweetened is best so you can control the sweetness. If using sweetened applesauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Butter – Can be swapped with neutral oil (like canola or vegetable), but butter gives a better flavor.
- Eggs – For an egg-free version, substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Nuts – Totally optional. If you don’t like them, leave them out, or replace with raisins, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s bake this beauty!
1. Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Baking soda
- Salt
This spice-sugar-flour blend will smell heavenly even before it’s baked. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
- Applesauce
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Stir until smooth. The applesauce will give this mixture a lovely golden color and a hint of sweetness.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can make the cake dense.
If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now.
5. Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of apples and spices. It’s truly irresistible!
6. Cool and Glaze
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This is important—if the cake is too warm, the glaze will melt right off.
To make the glaze, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, letting it seep into the cracks and drizzle down the sides. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the spices.
7. Slice & Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve! Pair it with hot coffee, spiced tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Baking Tips for Success
Even though this recipe is beautifully simple, a few tips can help make sure your cake comes out bakery-perfect every time:
- Choose the right applesauce.
Unsweetened applesauce works best—you’ll get all the moisture and apple flavor without making the cake overly sweet. If you only have sweetened applesauce, just reduce the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons. - Spice balance is key.
Cloves are powerful! A little goes a long way. Stick with the recommended measurements unless you’re a big fan of extra spice. - Don’t overmix the batter.
Stir until the dry ingredients disappear into the wet. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser, tougher cake. We want soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. - Check doneness early.
Every oven is a little different. Start testing with a toothpick at the 38–40 minute mark. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. - Cool before glazing.
Patience pays off. If you drizzle glaze on a hot cake, it’ll melt and disappear. Waiting until the cake is cooled keeps that pretty drizzle intact. - Want more flavor?
Add a teaspoon of apple pie spice for an even cozier fall flavor, or stir in a splash of apple cider for a subtle tang.
Why Amish Recipes Feel So Special
Amish cooking is built on the values of simplicity, tradition, and community. These recipes don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Instead, they focus on wholesome flavors, made with love and care.
Why does Amish Applesauce Cake feel so timeless?
- It’s resourceful. Applesauce was often used to stretch ingredients, replacing fats or sugars in leaner times.
- It’s comforting. The balance of spices and soft texture make it a dessert that feels like home.
- It’s meant to be shared. Baked in a large pan, it’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family tables.
This isn’t just a cake—it’s a piece of tradition, a recipe that reminds us that the best desserts don’t need to be fussy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cake is even better the next day, after the flavors mingle. Here’s how to store it:
- Room temperature: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then glaze before serving.
👉 Pro tip: Slice into squares before freezing so you can grab one piece at a time!
Variations of Applesauce Cake
This recipe is versatile, and you can adapt it depending on your mood:
- Raisin Twist: Fold in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra chewiness.
- Coconut Dream: Add ½ cup shredded coconut for texture and flavor.
- Apple Chunks: Mix in small diced apple pieces along with the applesauce for bursts of apple in every bite.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting if you want something richer.
- Bundt Cake Style: Bake the batter in a greased Bundt pan for a pretty presentation.
Amish Applesauce Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Description
✨ A slice of pure comfort! Soft, warmly spiced, and kissed with a sweet vanilla glaze — this Amish Applesauce Cake is like a cozy hug in dessert form. Perfect with coffee or tea on a chilly day. 🍂☕
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups applesauce
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. (⏱️ 10 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
In another bowl, mix applesauce, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts if using. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. (⏱️ 45 minutes)
Let the cake cool completely. (⏱️ 30 minutes)
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Slice, serve, and enjoy this heartwarming classic! 💚 (⏱️ Immediate joy!)
Notes
Applesauce Choice: Unsweetened applesauce works best, as it lets the spices shine without making the cake overly sweet. If you use sweetened applesauce, consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly.
Texture Tips: For an extra moist cake, use slightly warmed applesauce before mixing — it blends more smoothly with the melted butter and eggs.
Nuts & Add-ins: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, but you can also stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips for variation.
Glaze Options: The vanilla glaze is classic, but you could swap in a cream cheese glaze for a tangy contrast, or even a maple glaze for a deeper fall flavor.
Storage: Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully (without the glaze). Just thaw and drizzle fresh glaze before serving.
Serving Ideas: This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It’s also delightful as a simple coffee cake in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 310 kcal
Serving Ideas
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can easily dress it up:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.
- Pair with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
- Serve alongside a cup of chai tea, apple cider, or strong coffee for the ultimate cozy pairing.
It’s the kind of cake that feels equally at home at a Sunday potluck, a holiday dinner, or a quiet night in.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sugar: 30 g
Of course, this isn’t a health food—it’s comfort food. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. 💛
FAQs About Amish Applesauce Cake
1. Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Yes! The cake is moist and flavorful on its own. The glaze just adds a touch of extra sweetness.
2. Can I use chunky applesauce?
Absolutely! Chunky applesauce adds bits of fruit throughout the cake for more texture.
3. What nuts work best in this cake?
Walnuts and pecans are the classics. But you can skip nuts entirely if you prefer.
4. Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes—try a Bundt pan, two 8-inch round cake pans, or even muffins. Just adjust the baking time.
5. Does this cake taste better the next day?
It sure does! The spices deepen and the cake becomes even more flavorful after resting overnight.
Conclusion
There you have it—Amish Applesauce Cake, a dessert that’s as cozy as it is timeless. With its warm spices, moist texture, and sweet vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy.
Whether you’re baking it for your family, sharing it with friends, or just treating yourself, this cake delivers comfort in every bite. So grab that jar of applesauce, preheat your oven, and bake a little piece of tradition today.
