There's something so cozy about a rustic, old-fashioned cake, especially one that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. This Amish Applesauce Cake is just that kind of recipe. Moist, spiced just right, and incredibly simple to make, it's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.
Why You'll Love This Amish Applesauce Cake
Simple, from-scratch flavor. No fancy ingredients or mixers needed, just basic pantry staples.
Soft, moist texture. Thanks to the applesauce, this cake stays tender and never dries out.
Perfectly spiced. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give this cake that signature autumn warmth.
Great for gatherings. Easy enough to bake for a crowd, this easy applesauce cake is a hit at family get-togethers or potlucks. This Crack Cake is also a fun cake for serving a crowd.
Make-ahead friendly. It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime the craving strikes.
Old-Fashioned flavor. This, along with this supper cake recipe, is one of those that tastes just like it came out of a church cookbook!
Ingredients (with Notes)
- All-purpose flour - Keeps the crumb light and tender.
- Ground cinnamon - The star spice that brings cozy warmth.
- Baking soda - Helps the cake rise.
- Ground nutmeg & allspice - Add that unmistakable fall spice blend.
- Salt - Balances the sweetness.
- Applesauce - Sweetened or unsweetened both work; homemade applesauce adds extra charm.
- Dark brown sugar & granulated sugar - A mix for depth of flavor and perfect sweetness.
- Salted butter - Adds richness and that classic buttery taste.
- Large eggs - Room temperature helps everything blend smoothly.
- Vanilla extract - Enhances the overall flavor.
- Chopped walnuts - Give a nice crunch (optional, but delicious).
(See the full recipe card below for exact measurements.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 lipped baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and allspice.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Don't worry if the butter doesn't fully blend in.
- Combine and mix. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until smooth-but don't overmix.
- Add walnuts. Stir in the chopped walnuts for a little crunch.
- Bake. Pour into your prepared dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve. Let it cool completely before slicing.
- Optional Glaze (so good!). Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, and brush over the top before serving.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat: Pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves for extra spice.
- Swap in pecans for or alongside walnuts.
- Try cinnamon or peach applesauce for a fun twist.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a caramel-apple-inspired treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty, rustic finish.
FAQs
It's soft, and filled with cozy spice. The applesauce keeps it tender while the spices make every bite feel like fall.
Yes! It's just as good without walnuts. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries instead.
Absolutely-it adds a lovely homemade touch and extra apple flavor.
This cake is inspired by traditional Amish recipes that use simple, wholesome ingredients to create flavorful, comforting desserts.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced applesauce cake is wonderful served plain, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Warm with your morning coffee
- Served alongside fresh fruit for brunch
Whether you call it Amish Applesauce Cake, Easy Applesauce Cake, or Walnut Applesauce Cake, one thing's for sure-this simple dessert has old-fashioned charm baked right in. It's the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family gather around the table for "just one more slice."
More Vintage Recipes
Recipe
Amish Applesauce Cake
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- 1 ¾ cup applesauce
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Optional Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 lipped baking sheet with nonstick baking spray.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ground nutmeg, salt, and allspice and set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. It's ok if the butter doesn't completely blend in.
- Add the wet to the dry. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir together until smooth, but do not overmix.
- Toss in walnuts for crunch. Add the walnuts to the mixture.
- Transfer to your baking dish. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and serve. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Optional Glaze
- While waiting for your cake to cool, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar in a small microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and brush over the cake before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Barbara says
Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes? How long to bake?
Jessica says
Hi Barbara! I’m sorry, I haven’t tried this recipe as cupcakes before so I’m unable to tell you how long or if they’ll turn out ok! I would assume they would but I’d definitely keep an eye on them, as they’ll finish baking before this cake would. 🙂
Joyce Woody says
If I don’t have lipped baking sheet, will a regular 9×13 pan work ok?
Jessica says
Hi Joyce! Absolutely! 🙂