Amish applesauce cake is a simple, rustic dessert made with pantry staples like flour, applesauce, spices, and oil. It’s known for its soft, moist texture and warm, spiced flavor without needing any fancy techniques or ingredients. Originating from traditional Amish kitchens, this cake reflects a no-frills, homemade approach to baking that’s all about comfort and practicality. It’s a recipe that works just as well for a weeknight treat as it does for a holiday table.
What stood out to me the first time I made this cake was how quickly it came together. No mixer needed, no layers to frost just a bowl, a spoon, and a few basic ingredients. Despite the simplicity, the flavor was surprisingly rich, thanks to the combination of applesauce and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. It didn’t taste overly sweet, and the texture stayed soft for days.
Another thing I appreciated was its versatility. You can eat it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dress it up with a light glaze. It also works well with add-ins like walnuts or raisins, though it’s just as good without. I’ve baked it for family gatherings, weeknight desserts, and even as a quick make-ahead treat to freeze for later. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to keep in rotation.
If you’re looking for a straightforward dessert that delivers comfort and flavor without the fuss, Amish applesauce cake is a great one to try. In the sections ahead, I’ll walk you through everything from the essential ingredients to baking tips and creative variations so you can make the most of this classic cake in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients
The magic of Amish applesauce cake lies in its simplicity nothing fancy, just real ingredients coming together in a warm, flavorful bake. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this rustic classic to life.
Core Ingredients
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Applesauce: The star of the show. It keeps the cake moist, replaces some of the fat, and adds a mild apple flavor. Always go for unsweetened applesauce store-bought is fine, but homemade apple recipes like biscuits or fritters add an authentic touch to your kitchen.
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All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake. Stick with regular flour unless making a gluten-free version.
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Sugar: You can use white sugar for a cleaner sweetness or brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
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Eggs: Help bind the cake together and give it structure.
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Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and soft. You could swap it for melted butter or avocado oil, but oil provides that classic Amish-style moist crumb.
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Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves work in harmony to give that warm, comforting flavor. These aren’t optional they’re what make this cake unforgettable.
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Baking soda & baking powder: Ensure the cake rises properly and doesn’t come out flat.
Optional Additions
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Chopped walnuts or pecans: For a crunchy contrast to the soft crumb.
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Raisins or dried cranberries: Add subtle sweetness and chewy texture.
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Vanilla extract: A teaspoon elevates the flavor profile.
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Grated apple or carrot: Great for adding extra moisture and a bit of texture.
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Salt: Just a pinch makes the other flavors pop.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
This cake is the definition of unfussy baking. With one bowl, a spoon, and a little patience, you’ll be serving a moist, spiced cake that tastes like it took hours. Spoiler: It won’t.
Step 1:Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan if you’re feeling fancy.
In one bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Sifting helps prevent clumps, especially with spices.
In another bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce. For extra flavor, stir in a splash of vanilla extract.
Step 2:Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix stop once everything’s just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, and that’s how you end up with a tough cake instead of a tender one.
Now’s the time to fold in optional add-ins like chopped walnuts or raisins if you’re using them.
Step 3:Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4:Finish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or just slice and serve plain it’s that good.
Variations of Amish Applesauce Cake
The best thing about Amish applesauce cake is how flexible it is. Whether you’re accommodating allergies or just curious about new flavors, there are countless ways to personalize this timeless recipe.
Amish Applesauce Cake with Nuts and Raisins
This is perhaps the most traditional variation. Adding chopped walnuts and golden raisins brings both texture and sweetness. Toast the nuts beforehand to deepen their flavor it’s a small step that makes a big impact.
Gluten-Free Amish Applesauce Cake
To make it gluten-free, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results using one with xanthan gum already mixed in. If not, add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum yourself for structure. The applesauce still ensures a moist crumb, so no one will miss the gluten.
Vegan Amish Applesauce Cake
Skip the eggs and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or an egg replacer. Use a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed, and double-check that your sugar is vegan-friendly. The result? Just as moist, with all the spice-forward flavor intact.
Loaf or Muffin Format
Pour the batter into a muffin tin or two loaf pans. You’ll need to adjust the baking time muffins take about 20–25 minutes, while loaves bake for 45–60 minutes. This format is great for snacks, gifting, or freezing.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out Recipes2Day’s Peach Cobbler Pound Cake. It’s another twist on classic comfort baking that’s well worth trying.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Even a simple recipe like Amish applesauce cake can trip you up if you’re not careful. Luckily, most mistakes are easy to avoid and even easier to fix.
Overmixing the Batter
This is probably the most common pitfall. Overmixing leads to a dense, rubbery cake. Why? Because too much mixing develops gluten, which is great for bread but not for cake. Always mix just until the dry ingredients are combined.
Fix: If your cake turns out too firm, try using less flour next time or folding the ingredients more gently.
Using Sweetened Applesauce
Sweetened applesauce might seem harmless, but it throws off the sugar balance and can make the cake overly sweet or even gummy in texture.
Fix: Use unsweetened applesauce, and if you’ve only got the sweetened kind, reduce the sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup.
Underbaking or Overbaking
Too little time and the center stays gooey. Too much, and it dries out. Since every oven behaves a bit differently, always start checking doneness 5–10 minutes before the recommended time.
Fix: Use the toothpick test insert into the center, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Not Letting the Cake Cool
Warm cake can crumble when sliced, and frosting melts into a mess. Patience here pays off.
Fix: Let it rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then cool completely before serving or frosting.
FAQs
These are the most common questions I hear about Amish applesauce cake, especially from first-time bakers or folks looking to tweak the recipe. Let’s walk through them so you can bake with confidence.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Stored properly, Amish applesauce cake keeps well for 3–4 days at room temperature. Be sure to wrap it tightly or keep it in an airtight container to lock in moisture.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, absolutely and it might even taste better the next day. The spices mellow and blend beautifully with the applesauce overnight. Just store it in a cool spot or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I substitute applesauce with something else?
You can, but it’ll change the character of the cake. Try mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even Greek yogurt as alternatives. That said, applesauce is key to keeping the flavor classic and the texture just right.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum included or add your own (about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour). The applesauce will still keep it soft and tender.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You’ve got a few options: melted butter for richness, avocado oil for a neutral flavor, or more applesauce if you’re cutting back on fat. Keep in mind that butter will give it a denser crumb.
Can I bake this cake in a loaf pan?
Yes, but adjust the bake time to around 50–60 minutes. Always use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
It freezes beautifully. Slice it, wrap each piece individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave before serving.
Print
Amish applesauce cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert made with simple pantry staples. It’s a fuss-free, one-bowl recipe known for its tender texture and nostalgic flavor, thanks to applesauce and comforting spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for everyday baking or holiday gatherings, it can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a light glaze.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar (white or brown)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup grated apple or carrot
Instructions
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Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake. Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins at this stage. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Finish and Serve
Serve plain, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra depth, toast the nuts before folding them into the batter.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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This cake freezes well wrap slices individually and store for up to 3 months.
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Great as muffins (bake 20–25 mins) or in loaf pans (bake 45–60 mins).
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For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and ensure sugar is vegan-certified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Amish)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: amish applesauce cake, rustic cake, easy applesauce cake, old fashioned cake, moist spice cake, one bowl cake, amish dessert, simple apple cake, traditional cake recipe, no frosting cake
