There’s something magical about a homemade applesauce cake—the warm spices, the soft crumb, and that unmistakable aroma filling the kitchen. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall afternoon, but honestly? It’s perfect any time of year. This Amish Applesauce Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—simple, moist, and packed with cozy flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

What makes this cake truly special is its old-fashioned charm. Amish recipes are known for their simplicity, using pantry staples to create something incredibly delicious. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just a classic, straightforward cake that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

If you’ve never baked an applesauce cake before, you’re in for a treat! The applesauce keeps the cake wonderfully moist without making it heavy, and the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it that perfect spiced flavor. And let’s not forget the option to toss in some walnuts or raisins for a little added texture.

So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Pan

Before you even think about mixing up your ingredients, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, once your batter is ready, you can pop it straight in without any waiting around.

Next, prepare your baking pan. A 9-inch round or square pan works best for this cake. Lightly grease the pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. Trust me—nothing is worse than a cake that won’t come out of the pan!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. It also helps avoid clumps of baking soda or powder in your cake (which nobody wants). Give it a good whisk and set it aside while we move on to the next part.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugars

Now comes the fun part—mixing up the wet ingredients! Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together:

• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars properly helps create a soft, tender cake.

Next, add in two eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce until everything is combined. At this point, the batter should look smooth, creamy, and smell absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Combine & Fold in Nuts or Raisins

Now that we have our wet and dry ingredients ready, it’s time to mix them together.

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.
2. If you’re feeling a little extra, this is the perfect moment to fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or raisins. The nuts add a nice crunch, while the raisins give little pockets of sweetness throughout the cake. Not a fan? No worries—this cake is just as delicious without them!

Once everything is mixed, your batter should be thick, smooth, and ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Now for the best part—baking!

1. Pour the batter into your prepared 9-inch pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Try to smooth out the top so it bakes evenly.
2. Place the pan in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely heavenly!
3. You’ll know the cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know—it’s tempting to slice into it right away, but letting it cool ensures the best texture and flavor.

Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch (Optional but Highly Recommended!)

This cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, a simple topping can make all the difference. Here are a few ideas:

• Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Warm up some caramel sauce and lightly drizzle it over each slice. Perfect for caramel lovers!
• Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want a more decadent dessert, spread on a layer of cream cheese frosting for a tangy-sweet contrast to the spiced cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will add extra sugar to the cake. If you do use it, consider slightly reducing the amount of granulated or brown sugar to avoid making the cake overly sweet.

2. What’s the best way to store this cake?

This cake stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature if kept in an airtight container. If you need to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

4. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes! You can replace the ½ cup of butter with ½ cup of vegetable oil for a slightly moister cake. The flavor will be a little different (but still delicious!).

5. What’s the best way to make this cake extra moist?

The applesauce already helps keep this cake moist, but for an even softer texture, try adding 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

6. Can I turn this into muffins instead?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

7. Is this cake good for breakfast?

Oh, absolutely. It’s lightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Call it a “breakfast cake,” and it totally counts!

Final Thoughts: Time to Enjoy!

And that’s it! You’ve just made a classic Amish Applesauce Cake, a dessert that’s as easy to bake as it is to love. Whether you serve it as a cozy fall treat, a holiday dessert, or a simple snack with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Happy baking!