Growing up, the kitchen was always the coziest room in our house, especially on chilly weekends when the smell of cinnamon and applesauce would fill the air. My grandmother would pull out her well-worn recipe card for amish applesauce cake—a family favorite that seemed to bring everyone together. She’d let me help stir the batter, sneak a taste of applesauce, and always insisted that the best cakes were the ones made with laughter and love.
To this day, every bite of this old-fashioned applesauce cake brings me back to those simple, joyful moments. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this classic Amish dessert is more than a recipe—it’s a little piece of comfort you can share.
Experience the Nostalgia of Amish Applesauce Cake
There’s something truly special about baking an amish applesauce cake—it’s a taste of tradition, comfort, and wholesome goodness all in one bite. This old-fashioned applesauce cake is a cherished recipe in many classic Amish kitchens, celebrated for its moist crumb, simple ingredients, and heartwarming flavors. If you love easy applesauce cakes that come together quickly but taste like they’ve been handed down for generations, you’re in for a treat!
Homemade applesauce gives this traditional Amish dessert its unmistakable tenderness and natural sweetness, while cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring out that nostalgic aroma we all adore. Whether you’re a beginner baker or have been baking for years, you’ll appreciate how this applesauce spice cake recipe delivers consistent, delicious results with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday spreads, or anytime you crave a classic Amish baking experience.
Many home bakers consider this the best applesauce cake recipe because it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Plus, with a few easy tweaks, you can make it a healthy applesauce cake or add your favorite mix-ins for extra flair. Ready to fill your home with the scent of cinnamon and sweet memories?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Amish Applesauce Cake?
Amish applesauce cake is a beloved old-fashioned dessert that captures the heart of classic Amish baking. At its core, this moist cake combines homemade applesauce with warm spices, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Rooted in tradition, this easy applesauce cake was popular in Amish communities because it uses simple pantry staples and doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a cozy kitchen.
What makes this applesauce spice cake unique is the use of applesauce, which not only adds natural sweetness and flavor but also ensures the cake stays deliciously moist. Many consider it a healthy applesauce cake option, thanks to the use of wholesome ingredients and minimal fat.
Whether you’re new to Amish recipes or searching for the best applesauce cake recipe to try at home, this classic dessert delivers both nostalgia and comfort in every bite. Ready to discover more Amish favorites?
What’s your favorite classic dessert to bake at home? Tell us below!
The Story Behind Amish Applesauce Cake
Amish applesauce cake has roots in the simple, resourceful traditions of Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Home bakers prized applesauce as a way to keep cakes moist and flavorful without extra butter or oil—making this classic Amish dessert both budget-friendly and delicious. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this old-fashioned applesauce cake became a beloved treat at gatherings and church socials. Today, it’s a nostalgic favorite that brings a taste of comfort and heritage to every home baker’s table.
Ingredients & Tools for Amish Applesauce Cake
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Amish Applesauce Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, old-fashioned Amish applesauce cake filled with cozy spices and classic comfort. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, this easy applesauce cake is sure to become a favorite
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, then add sugar, oil, and applesauce. Mix well.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add-ins: Fold in nuts and dried fruit if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Let cake cool in the pan. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or top with glaze.
Notes
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For a healthier applesauce cake, swap up to half the flour for whole wheat and reduce sugar slightly.
-
Homemade applesauce adds extra flavor!
-
Store at room temp for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
-
Great with cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Baking an amish applesauce cake is wonderfully simple, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! This classic Amish baking recipe uses everyday staples to create a moist cake full of cozy, old-fashioned flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for your applesauce cake from scratch:
Main Ingredients:
- Unsweetened applesauce: The star of the show, giving this homemade applesauce cake its signature moisture and subtle sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: A reliable base for a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for structure.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the cake extra tender.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Help the cake rise.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or allspice for that classic applesauce spice cake flavor.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for extra texture and taste.
Essential Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- 9×13-inch baking pan (or loaf pans)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Pro Tip:
Lining your pan with parchment paper makes for easy removal and less cleanup!
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Ready to bake a classic Amish applesauce cake right in your own kitchen? This easy applesauce cake recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days or when you need a nostalgic treat. Just follow these clear steps and you’ll be enjoying a moist, old-fashioned applesauce cake in no time!
Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all the ingredients listed in the Ingredients & Tools section above. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for best results, and measure out your homemade applesauce or use unsweetened store-bought applesauce for a healthy applesauce cake.
Prep Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice).
- Set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the sugar (or brown sugar) and oil or melted butter until smooth.
- Add in your applesauce and mix well to combine.
Bring It All Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your applesauce spice cake tender and moist.
- If you’d like, fold in nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries at this stage for extra texture and flavor.
Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Your kitchen will be filled with the nostalgic aroma of classic Amish baking!
Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for an extra-special touch.
Pro Tip:
For a truly old-fashioned applesauce cake experience, try making your own applesauce from fresh apples!
Love baking classic cakes? Try this Mostachon Cake for another unique treat, or explore easy, cozy desserts like Pecan Pie Dump Cake for more inspiration!
What would you serve alongside your applesauce cake—fresh whipped cream, ice cream, or a cup of coffee? Share your favorite pairing below!
Nutritional Info for Amish Applesauce Cake
Curious about what’s inside a slice of amish applesauce cake? This classic Amish baking treat is naturally lighter than many frosted cakes, thanks to the applesauce that adds moisture and sweetness. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 9×13-inch cake, cut into 12 slices):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
For an even healthier applesauce cake, try reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour. Nutrition may vary based on your favorite add-ins or tweaks!
Do you look for healthy swaps when baking? Share your favorite tips below!Nutritional Info for Amish Applesauce Cake
Curious about what’s inside a slice of amish applesauce cake? This classic Amish baking treat is naturally lighter than many frosted cakes, thanks to the applesauce that adds moisture and sweetness. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 9×13-inch cake, cut into 12 slices):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
For an even healthier applesauce cake, try reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour. Nutrition may vary based on your favorite add-ins or tweaks!
Do you look for healthy swaps when baking? Share your favorite tips below!
Tips, Variations & Add-ins for Amish Applesauce Cake
One of the joys of making amish applesauce cake is just how flexible and forgiving this recipe can be! Whether you’re craving a healthy applesauce cake or want to put your own spin on this old-fashioned favorite, there are plenty of ways to make this classic Amish baking tradition truly your own.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use unsweetened applesauce for the most control over the cake’s sweetness. Homemade applesauce works beautifully!
- Don’t overmix your batter; gentle folding ensures a moist, tender crumb.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to help it hold its shape, especially if adding a glaze or frosting.
Delicious Variations:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to make a healthy applesauce cake with extra fiber.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or extra cinnamon for deeper spice flavor.
- Reduce sugar: For a lighter, less sweet cake, decrease the sugar by ¼ cup.
Favorite Add-ins:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and a toasty flavor.
- Dried fruit: Try raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: For a fun twist, sprinkle in a handful of chocolate chips.
For more classic cake inspiration, check out this Mostachon Cake—a delightful treat with a unique texture!
What’s your favorite way to personalize applesauce cake—do you love it classic, or do you add your own creative twist? Share your best tips or add-in ideas below!
Serving, Storing & Freezing Amish Applesauce Cake
One of the best things about amish applesauce cake is how versatile it is when it comes to serving and storing. This old-fashioned applesauce cake is just as delicious fresh out of the oven as it is the next day, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats.
How to Serve:
- Enjoy this moist cake on its own, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
- For a classic Amish dessert experience, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Applesauce spice cake also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea—perfect for cozy afternoons.
Storing Tips:
- Keep your homemade applesauce cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week—just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Tips:
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a classic, moist treat anytime.
Craving more comforting bakes? Try our Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Recipe for another nostalgic favorite!
How do you love to serve your applesauce cake—plain, frosted, or with a special side? Share your serving tips in the comments!
Troubleshooting & FAQ’s for Amish Applesauce Cake
Even though amish applesauce cake is known for being an easy applesauce cake recipe, sometimes a few baking hiccups can pop up. Here are some common questions and solutions to help you bake the best applesauce cake recipe every time!
Why is my amish applesauce cake dry instead of moist?
The secret to a truly moist cake is not overbaking and measuring your flour carefully. Too much flour or baking the cake a few minutes too long can dry it out. Make sure to spoon and level your flour (rather than scooping), and always check for doneness a few minutes early—every oven is different!
Can I make a healthy applesauce cake by reducing sugar or oil?
Absolutely! Amish applesauce cake is very forgiving. You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup or substitute some of the oil with extra applesauce for a lighter, healthier applesauce cake. Whole wheat flour also works well if you’d like to add a little fiber.
My applesauce spice cake didn’t rise well—what went wrong?
Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents are a common reason for dense cakes. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a heavy texture.
Can I make amish applesauce cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, many bakers find that this classic Amish baking recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just wrap your cake tightly and store at room temperature or refrigerate.
What are the best add-ins for applesauce cake from scratch?
Popular add-ins include chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips. You can truly make this old-fashioned applesauce cake your own!
Reader Stories & Community: Amish Applesauce Cake Memories
Baking amish applesauce cake is about more than just creating a moist cake—it’s about sharing the joy and comfort that classic Amish baking brings to the table. Many readers have told us how this old-fashioned applesauce cake sparks memories of family gatherings, cozy autumn afternoons, and learning to bake with grandparents or friends. It’s no wonder this easy applesauce cake is a favorite for home bakers of all skill levels!
We love hearing your creative twists on the traditional Amish dessert, from healthy applesauce cake versions with less sugar to decadent applesauce spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting. Your stories inspire others to try their own applesauce cake from scratch and create new memories.
Looking for more classic comfort food? Check out our Pecan Pie Dump Cake for another easy dessert that brings everyone together!
Do you have a special memory or family tradition with amish applesauce cake? Share your story or favorite variation below—we can’t wait to hear from you!
Conclusion & Next Steps: Bake Your Own Amish Applesauce Cake
There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of baking an amish applesauce cake—a true old-fashioned applesauce cake that fills your home with warmth and the inviting aroma of spices. Whether you stick with the classic Amish dessert or put your own twist on this easy applesauce cake, you’ll have a moist, delicious treat ready to share.
If you enjoyed this applesauce spice cake, be sure to explore more comforting recipes like our Cottage Cheese Banana Bread or Bourbon Pecan Sticky Buns.
Ready to try your hand at Amish applesauce cake? Let us know how it turns out—or share your favorite applesauce cake variation in the comments below!
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