Name: Old Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); For the Caramel Glaze:; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ¼ cup milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Tools:; 9x13 inch baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan; Mixing bowls; Electric hand mixer (optional); Saucepan (for the glaze)

Old Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake

There’s something so comforting about old-fashioned recipes, especially the ones that fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pure nostalgia. This Amish Applesauce Cake is one of those timeless treats that instantly transports me to simpler times—and it’s a favorite in our household for good reason.

The first time I made this cake, it was on a chilly Sunday afternoon when we were craving something sweet but cozy. I had a jar of homemade applesauce sitting in the fridge and thought, “Why not?” The result was this gorgeously moist, rich cake with a deep, spiced flavor and a caramel glaze that made my kids literally lick their plates clean. My husband went back for seconds (and thirds), and now, this cake has officially earned its spot in our family dessert rotation.

What I love most about this cake is that it tastes like you spent hours baking—but it’s deceptively easy. No fancy techniques, no odd ingredients—just pantry staples and a bit of love. It’s the kind of cake you bring to potlucks, holiday dinners, or make just because you need a little joy in your day.

So whether you’re baking to impress or simply to treat yourself after a long day, this Amish Applesauce Cake is guaranteed to bring smiles, warm hearts, and requests for the recipe. Trust me—you’ll want to bookmark this one!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sugar level of the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this cake?
Sure can. Wrap slices individually or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Is the caramel glaze necessary?
Technically, no—but trust me, it takes the cake to another level. It adds that extra indulgent touch!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

What You Need to Make Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar (packed)

2 large eggs

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

¼ cup milk or heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Tools:

9×13 inch baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan

Mixing bowls

Electric hand mixer (optional)

Saucepan (for the glaze)

How to Make Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.

Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the applesauce and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined (it may look slightly curdled—totally normal!).

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the nuts if using.

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

Make the glaze while the cake bakes: Combine butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Cool the cake slightly, then pour the warm glaze over the top. Let it soak in for that sticky, gooey finish.

Tips for Making the Best Amish Applesauce Cake

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter.

Don’t overmix! This keeps the cake tender.

Add diced apples for extra texture and a burst of apple flavor.

Warm the glaze before serving leftovers—it revives that fresh-baked magic.

Double the glaze if you like it extra decadent (who doesn’t?).

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely delicious! I made it for a church potluck and came home with an empty dish and a dozen requests for the recipe.” – Marissa L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for busy nights! I whipped this up after dinner and it made the whole house smell amazing. Next time, I might add some raisins!” – Tanya G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This reminded me of my grandma’s baking. Moist, flavorful, and that glaze? I could drink it with a spoon.” – Holly M.

⭐⭐⭐ “Tasty but a bit sweet for me. I’ll try reducing the sugar next time, but the texture was perfect.” – David K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “New fall tradition in our home! It was gone within hours. My kids asked me to pack it in their lunchboxes too.” – Jenny F.

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3