Amish Applesauce Cake

This cozy, spiced Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those simple, old-fashioned bakes that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of fall—no matter what time of year it is. If you’ve got a jar of unsweetened applesauce in the pantry and a craving for something tender, moist, and deeply comforting, this is your cake.

It’s the kind of recipe you’d imagine a grandmother in an apron whipping up in a warm farmhouse kitchen, with the scent of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the air.

Whether you’re serving it plain with a cup of tea or dressed up with a drizzle of glaze, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together with pantry staples and zero fuss. It’s a recipe that’s been loved for generations, and once you try it, you’ll know why.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This cake is incredibly moist thanks to the applesauce and tastes even better the next day. It’s warmly spiced without being overpowering, making it ideal for any season.

The ingredients are humble, but the flavor is rich and nostalgic—a real slice of comfort.

Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Equipment Needed: 9-inch round or square baking pan, 2 mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, cooling rack

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is well combined.

3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

4. Bring It All Together:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if you’re using them.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple glaze.

Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust to your desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk all glaze ingredients together until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Variations to Try:

• Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dried apples for a fun twist.
• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a slightly indulgent version.
• Use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture and extra fiber.

Pro Tips:

• Toast your nuts before adding them to the batter to deepen their flavor.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
• If your applesauce is cold, bring it to room temperature before mixing to help the batter come together more smoothly.
• This cake actually tastes even better the next day—wrap it tightly and let the flavors deepen overnight.

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