There’s something truly comforting about an old-fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your home with warm, spiced aromas and reminds you of cozy family gatherings. This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the applesauce, and packed with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness with just a hint of tart apple goodness.

What I love most about this cake is its simplicity. It doesn’t need fancy frostings or elaborate decorations—just a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of caramel sauce is enough to make it irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something nostalgic, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake

Super Moist & Flavorful – The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly soft while adding natural sweetness.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
Warm & Spiced – A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives it that classic fall flavor.
Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee.
Naturally Sweetened – Applesauce reduces the need for excessive sugar while enhancing the flavor.
Perfect for Make-Ahead – This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What Kind of Applesauce Should I Use?

For the best Amish Applesauce Cake, I recommend using unsweetened applesauce. Since the cake already has sugar and warm spices, sweetened applesauce might make it overly sugary. If you prefer a richer apple flavor, you can use homemade applesauce—chunky or smooth, both work well. If using store-bought, look for one with no added sugars or preservatives for the purest taste.

If you want an extra depth of flavor, try spiced applesauce or one made with cinnamon. It enhances the warm spices in the cake, making every bite even cozier.

Options for Substitutions

Flour – You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or use gluten-free flour for a GF-friendly version.
Sugar – Swap white sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
Eggs – If you need an egg-free version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce (¼ cup per egg).
Butter – You can substitute butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Spices – While cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are traditional, you can tweak the spice blend by adding ginger or allspice for a different twist.
Add-ins – Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients for This Amish Applesauce Cake

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure while keeping it soft and tender.
Applesauce – The star ingredient! It adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a delicious apple flavor.
Sugar – A mix of white and brown sugar enhances sweetness while brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth.
Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its soft, fluffy texture.
Butter – Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – The leavening agents that help the cake rise and stay light.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves – The perfect warm spices that bring out the cozy, autumnal flavors.
Salt – A small amount enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Optional Add-ins – Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be mixed in for extra texture and flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugars together until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, fold them in at this stage.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.

How Long to Cook the Amish Applesauce Cake

This cake bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Tips for a Perfect Amish Applesauce Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the batter mix more evenly, leading to a better texture.
Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
Check Your Spices – Freshly ground spices provide the best flavor, so replace old spices if they’ve been sitting in your pantry for too long.
Let It Cool – Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Enhance the Flavor – Let the cake rest overnight for even better taste—the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Try Different Toppings – A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a simple cream cheese glaze can elevate this cake even more.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Sweetened Applesauce – This can make the cake overly sweet. Stick to unsweetened applesauce for the best balance.
Overmixing the Batter – Stirring too much can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense instead of tender.
Skipping the Spices – The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are essential for that warm, comforting flavor—don’t leave them out!
Not Greasing the Pan Properly – To prevent sticking, always grease your baking dish or use parchment paper.
Overbaking – Check for doneness at 35 minutes to prevent a dry cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready!
Cutting the Cake Too Soon – Let it cool before slicing to allow the flavors to set and the texture to firm up.

What to Serve With Amish Applesauce Cake?

1. A Cup of Hot Coffee or Tea

The warm spices in the cake pair perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a soothing chai tea.

2. Whipped Cream

A simple dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the moist cake.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the warm, spiced flavors beautifully.

4. Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cake for an extra indulgent treat.

5. Cream Cheese Frosting

A tangy cream cheese glaze or frosting complements the sweetness of the applesauce cake.

6. Chopped Nuts

Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

7. Fresh Fruit

Sliced apples, pears, or even a handful of fresh berries add a refreshing contrast.

8. Powdered Sugar Dusting

Keep it classic with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a light, elegant touch.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature – If you plan to enjoy the cake within 2 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Refrigerator – For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer – This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 12 servings)

Calories: ~280
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~50mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~25g
Sodium: ~200mg

These values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), or ¼ cup mashed banana.

2. What type of applesauce is best for this recipe?

Unsweetened applesauce is ideal since it provides natural sweetness without making the cake too sugary. If you use sweetened applesauce, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

4. How can I make this cake even more flavorful?

Letting the cake sit overnight allows the flavors to deepen. You can also add a touch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.

5. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can replace butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different texture and moisture level.

6. How do I prevent my cake from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store it properly. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap helps keep it moist, and you can warm it slightly before serving.

7. Can I add nuts or raisins?

Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add a delicious texture and extra flavor. Fold them into the batter before baking.

8. What can I use as a topping instead of frosting?

A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a caramel drizzle, or whipped cream all work beautifully.

Conclusion

This Amish Applesauce Cake is a nostalgic, comforting dessert that’s easy to make and packed with warm, spiced flavors. Whether you serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzled with caramel, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with friends and family, and enjoy a slice of cozy, homemade goodness!