Creamy, cozy, and just sweet enough — Amish Applesauce Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With tender crumb, gentle spice, and the natural sweetness of applesauce, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea, a family potluck, or a simple weeknight treat. Fun fact: applesauce was historically used in many home-baked goods to add moisture without eggs or butter, making cakes like this a pantry-friendly favorite.
This recipe shines for its simplicity and speed: minimal ingredients, easy mixing, and a one-pan bake. If you enjoy classic, old-fashioned cakes, you might also like our almond nut cake recipe, which shares the same cozy, home-baked appeal but highlights nuts instead of fruit. Give this Amish Applesauce Cake a try — it’s approachable, crowd-pleasing, and just plain comforting.
What is Amish Applesauce Cake?
Why call it Amish Applesauce Cake? Is it Amish because it’s humble, efficient, and reliably delicious? Maybe. Or perhaps someone in a Mennonite bake-off once forgot the eggs and discovered applesauce was a miracle worker. The name evokes a time when kitchens prized simplicity and flavor over fuss. After all, they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and a slice of this cake is an excellent place to start. Try it and see — you might find yourself baking it again and again just to share with neighbors and friends.
Why You’ll Love This:
There are three big reasons this cake will become a go-to dessert in your house.
- Comforting texture and flavor: The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist while warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give every bite that cozy, autumnal taste. The crumb is tender and slightly dense — a true feel-good cake.
- Cost and convenience: Making this at home saves money compared to specialty bakery cakes. Applesauce is inexpensive, pantry staples do most of the work, and you don’t need fancy tools or techniques.
- Flavorful simplicity: With only a few ingredients, the flavor truly shines. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze and it transforms into a show-stopping dessert without extra effort.
If you love straightforward, homey desserts, you’ll find this cake as satisfying as other classics on the blog. Ready to bake? Let’s do it.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This cake is easy to mix, quick to bake, and wonderfully satisfying. Preparation is mostly measuring and stirring — no creaming, no fluffing. Expect a tender, moist texture with warm spice notes and a pleasant sweetness. Prep time about 10 minutes, bake time 30–35 minutes, total about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — spooned and leveled
1 tsp baking soda — ensure freshness for proper rise
1/2 tsp baking powder — for a gentle lift
1 tsp cinnamon — ground, aromatic
1/2 tsp nutmeg — freshly grated if possible for best flavor
1/2 cup applesauce — preferably unsweetened, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar — adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan. Use a 9-inch round or an 8×8-inch square pan; parchment in the bottom helps release the cake easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk briefly to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the applesauce and granulated sugar until well combined. If your applesauce is cold, letting it sit a few minutes to reach room temperature helps the batter come together more smoothly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix — a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- Allow to cool before serving. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve With:
This cake pairs beautifully with a few different options depending on the occasion. For a cozy dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For brunch or afternoon tea, offer thinly sliced apples and a pot of hot tea or coffee. If you want a savory contrast, a simple green salad or a crisp slaw works well — try serving alongside a light seasonal salad such as an Amish broccoli salad to balance sweet and tangy flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Ingredient substitutions: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect a slightly denser cake. You can swap half the sugar for brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
- Applesauce choice: Unsweetened applesauce keeps sweetness controllable and adds natural moisture. If you use sweetened applesauce, reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined. Overworking the batter develops gluten and yields a tighter crumb.
- Baking pan: Different pans change bake time. Use an oven thermometer if your oven runs hot or cool.
- Flavor boosts: Fold in a handful of raisins, chopped walnuts, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for variation. A light citrus glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) adds brightness.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Adding too much flour, overbaking, or skipping the cooling step before slicing.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration instructions: Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing instructions: Wrap individual slices in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Shelf life details: At room temperature, the cake can stay fresh for 1–2 days in a covered container. Refrigeration extends life to about 4 days.
Best reheating methods: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–20 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. Serve slightly warm with cream or ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without baking powder or baking soda?
No. Both baking soda and baking powder contribute to lift and texture. Omitting them will produce a dense, flat cake. If you only have one, use 1 1/2 tsp baking powder in place of both, though results will vary.
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes — homemade applesauce works beautifully. If it’s very thick or very thin, adjust the dry ingredients slightly. Room-temperature applesauce mixes more evenly.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
How can I make this cake more festive?
Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk, sprinkle toasted nuts on top, or fold in dried cranberries and orange zest for a holiday twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients for a larger pan (such as a 9×13). Bake time will increase — check doneness with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a simple, reliable dessert that brings classic, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s moist, gently spiced, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing with family or neighbors — a true everyday cake. If you’d like to compare variations or see another traditional version, you can explore this Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe – Amish Heritage for more background and tips. Give it a try, slice it warm, and enjoy the smiles it brings.
Amish Applesauce Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Cake Pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp Baking soda ensure freshness for proper rise
- 0.5 tsp Baking powder for a gentle lift
- 1 tsp Cinnamon ground, aromatic
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg freshly grated if possible for best flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cups Applesauce preferably unsweetened, room temperature
- 0.5 cups Granulated sugar adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan. Use a 9-inch round or an 8×8-inch square pan; parchment in the bottom helps release the cake easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk briefly to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the applesauce and granulated sugar until well combined. If your applesauce is cold, letting it sit a few minutes to reach room temperature helps the batter come together more smoothly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix — a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- Allow to cool before serving. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
