Name: Amish Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measured and leveled); 1 tsp Baking Soda (Sift if clumped); 0.5 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 0.5 cups Unsweetened Applesauce (Room temperature, can be homemade); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar

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Creamy, tender, and full of warm spice, Amish Applesauce Cake is the kind of dessert that hugs you from the inside out. With applesauce keeping the crumb moist and a gentle blend of cinnamon and nutmeg giving it cozy flavor, this cake is perfect for a weeknight treat or a holiday dessert table. Fun fact: applesauce was long used in recipes as a natural fat replacer — great news for anyone looking to cut calories without sacrificing texture.

This cake shines because it’s simple to make, quick to prepare, and loved by kids and adults alike. If you enjoy easy fruit-forward cakes, you might also like our applesauce cake variations for more ways to use applesauce in baking. Read on to find out why this modest cake deserves a spot in your baking rotation — it’s comforting, forgiving, and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the love.

What is Amish Applesauce Cake?

What’s in a name? Amish Applesauce Cake sounds like something passed down at Sunday potlucks, doesn’t it? Is it truly Amish, or did someone just bring a bowl of applesauce to the bake sale one year and the name stuck? Either way, the idea is simple and charming: a cake that celebrates applesauce as the secret to moistness and flavor. After one bite you’ll understand why folks say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious? Give this old-fashioned comfort cake a try — you might start calling it a family heirloom.

Why You’ll Love This:

Moist, tender crumb: Applesauce keeps the cake wonderfully moist without needing lots of butter or oil.
Budget-friendly baking: With pantry staples like flour, spices, and sugar, this recipe is easy on the wallet and perfect for using up leftover applesauce.
Warm, homey flavors: Cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze.

Compared to more elaborate layered cakes, this one is low-fuss and high-reward — if you liked our Amish-style apple cake, this is a sweet, simpler sibling you’ll reach for again and again. Make it for snacks, potlucks, or a calm weekend baking session.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Mixing dry ingredients separately, whisking wet ingredients, and combining them briefly keeps the texture light. The cake bakes in about half an hour and comes out tender and springy with a hint of spice. Total time is roughly 45 minutes: 10 minutes prep and 30–35 minutes baking. The standout element is the applesauce — it provides moisture and subtle apple flavor without extra work.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, measured and leveled
1 tsp baking soda, sift if clumped
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened or homemade, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment for easy removal. Set the pan aside while you mix the batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk briefly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices; this helps the cake rise evenly and gives consistent spice in every bite.
In another bowl, mix the applesauce and granulated sugar until well combined. Stir for about 30 seconds so the sugar begins to dissolve into the applesauce — this keeps the crumb tender.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the cake dense.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. 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 or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the top browns quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to finish cooling. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Amish Applesauce Cake

What to Serve With:

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
A simple cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze to add sweetness and a pretty finish.
Fresh fruit salad or pan-seared apples to echo the apple notes and add freshness.
A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a caramel latte makes this cake feel like a cozy café treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Ingredient substitutions: If you prefer a richer cake, replace 2 tablespoons of applesauce with melted butter or oil. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spice adjustments: Increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a bolder profile, or add 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves for extra warmth.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined — this keeps the cake light.
Pan size: If you use a smaller pan, bake a few minutes longer and check doneness; a larger pan will shorten baking time.
Add-ins: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins for texture and extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Room temperature: Store the cooled cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days when wrapped or stored in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 5–8 minutes to revive the fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but reduce the granulated sugar by about 2 tablespoons to prevent the cake from becoming overly sweet.

Can I add eggs to make the cake richer?
You can add one beaten egg to the applesauce mixture for a richer, denser cake. Reduce applesauce to 1/3 cup if you do.

Is it okay to use self-rising flour?
If using self-rising flour, omit the baking soda and baking powder and use 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour instead. Keep the spices the same.

How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make this in a loaf pan instead of a round cake pan?
Yes, bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes; the loaf may take 35–45 minutes depending on pan size.

Conclusion

This Amish Applesauce Cake is a humble, comforting dessert that’s easy enough for weeknight baking and lovely enough for guests. It’s moist, warmly spiced, and forgiving — perfect for bakers of all levels. If you’re curious about traditional versions and want to compare notes, check the classic Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe – Amish Heritage for more background and variations. Give this cake a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade treat.