Best Ever Amish Apple Cake Recipe (Moist & Easy)

If you’re looking for a rich, old-fashioned dessert that’s both simple and deeply satisfying, the Amish apple cake recipe is a must-try. This beloved Pennsylvania Dutch treat combines fresh apples, warm spices, and a dense, moist crumb that’s perfect for chilly mornings or cozy evenings. In this article, we’ll break down everything from the best apples to use to how to get the moist texture Amish cakes are famous for. Along the way, we’ll share expert tips, traditional secrets, and practical answers to the most asked questions about apple cakes.

Check out our sourdough apple fritter bread for another apple-packed favorite.

Understanding Amish Apple Cake

What Is an Amish Apple Cake Recipe?

At its core, an Amish apple cake recipe is a dense, moist cake made with fresh apples, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. What sets it apart from other cakes is its simplicity and richness, often topped with a buttermilk glaze or brown sugar icing. There are no complicated steps, just wholesome ingredients and time-tested techniques. The Amish community values food that’s hearty and homemade, and this cake reflects that perfectly.

The cake often includes chopped nuts—typically walnuts or pecans—and sometimes raisins or shredded coconut. However, the spotlight always stays on the apples, which lend moisture and natural sweetness. Because it doesn’t rely on buttercream or elaborate decoration, it’s an ideal cake for bakers of any skill level.

The History Behind Amish Desserts and Traditions

Amish baking traditions are rooted in simplicity, family, and the use of seasonal, local ingredients. This is why apple desserts like pies, dumplings, and cakes hold a central place in Amish kitchens. When apple harvest season arrives in the fall, homes fill with the warm aroma of baking spices and slow-roasting apples.

The Amish are known for scratch-made recipes passed down through generations, often handwritten and carefully preserved. Amish apple cake became a staple at community gatherings, church functions, and family dinners. Its humble preparation—no mixers, just bowls and spoons—embodies the Amish way of life: focused, intentional, and wholesome.

This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition. It’s often baked in a bundt pan or loaf form, wrapped in cloth to preserve its moisture, and shared with neighbors. In fact, there’s even a variation called “Amish Neighbor Cake,” known for being gifted during holidays or times of need.

Key Ingredients in an Amish Apple Cake

Must-Have Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

An Amish apple cake recipe relies on simple pantry staples, but each ingredient serves a crucial role in the cake’s taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create that nostalgic, homespun flavor:

• Fresh Apples: Crisp, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and add moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: A basic flour is preferred—no need for cake flour here. Some bakers substitute a small portion with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: White sugar sweetens the batter and helps caramelize the crust.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses, making the crumb richer and softer.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Oil: Most traditional Amish apple cakes use vegetable oil instead of butter. It creates a moist crumb and keeps the cake fresher longer.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises just enough to remain dense yet tender.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The spice duo that makes the cake aromatic and perfectly fall-flavored.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans offer texture and complement the apples beautifully.

Optional but delightful additions include shredded coconut or raisins. Many family recipes feature their own twist—so don’t hesitate to customize once you’ve mastered the base.

The Secret Ingredient to a Moist Cake

One of the most common baking questions—“What’s the secret to a moist cake?”—has a simple answer in Amish baking: oil and fresh fruit. Unlike butter, oil stays liquid at room temperature, which helps keep the cake soft and tender for days. When paired with the natural juices from fruits like apples, this combination locks in moisture beautifully.

Some bakers take it a step further by adding a touch of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter. These ingredients bring both fat and acidity, which help break down gluten for a softer crumb and richer texture. If you’re adding a glaze, using a buttermilk-based one can enhance the cake’s moisture even more.

Discover great ideas like this cinnamon pull apart bread that also uses oil for its fluffy texture.

Choosing the Right Apples

Which Apples Are Best for Apple Cake Recipes?

The type of apple you choose can make or break your Amish apple cake recipe. While any apple technically “works,” not all apples bake equally. The goal is to pick apples that hold their shape and flavor when baked, offering a contrast of tartness and sweetness to balance the sugar and spices in the cake.

Here are top recommended apples for baking:

• Granny Smith: Firm, tart, and slow to break down in the oven—great for contrast in sweet cakes.
• Honeycrisp: Juicy and sweet with a slight tang. These apples offer excellent structure and vibrant flavor.
• Fuji: A sweeter choice that adds a mellow taste and soft texture. Works best when combined with a tart variety.
• Braeburn: Spicy-sweet and perfect for rustic cakes. Their balanced flavor enhances cinnamon and nutmeg.

Some home bakers like to mix and match—combining a tart apple like Granny Smith with a sweeter one like Fuji or Gala—to achieve a more complex flavor profile.

Top 4 Apples That Bake Beautifully

You asked: What four apples are best for baking? Based on baking tests and Amish recipe traditions, here’s the definitive list:

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Best Feature in Baking
Granny Smith	Tart	Holds shape, adds contrast
Honeycrisp	Sweet-Tart	Juicy and flavorful
Braeburn	Mild-Spicy	Enhances warm spices
Fuji	Sweet	Balances tart varieties

These four create a perfect harmony in apple-based desserts. Whether you’re baking a loaf cake or a bundt, choosing the right apple improves both texture and taste.

Don’t miss our peach blueberry cobbler if you love fruit-forward desserts with perfectly balanced flavors.

Preparing Apples for the Cake

Should You Cook Apples Before Putting Them in a Cake?

This is one of the most common questions asked when baking with apples: Should you cook apples before putting them in a cake? The answer depends on the texture you’re aiming for—but when it comes to a traditional Amish apple cake recipe, the answer is a firm no.

Amish baking is known for simplicity, and part of that means using raw, chopped apples directly in the batter. This technique allows the apples to retain their structure and release moisture gradually during baking, helping keep the cake moist. It also preserves a slight bite and rustic quality in each slice.

Cooking the apples ahead of time can make them too soft, causing them to disappear into the batter. While this might be great for sauces or pies, it’s not ideal for dense, fruit-packed cakes. Using uncooked apples helps retain more of their original flavor and texture.

Tips for Peeling, Dicing, and Preserving Texture

When preparing apples for cake, precision and consistency go a long way. Here’s how to prep your apples for the best result:

• Peel First: Apple skins tend to separate from the fruit during baking and can create an unpleasant texture. Always peel your apples before chopping.
• Dice, Don’t Slice: Small, even-sized chunks ensure even distribution and prevent sinkage. Avoid thin slices—they cook too fast and become mushy.
• Toss in Lemon Juice: If you’re prepping apples ahead of time, toss them in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and keep their color fresh.
• Drain Excess Liquid: After dicing, gently pat the apples dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. Too much liquid can thin out your batter and affect bake time.

By following these tips, you can achieve that perfect balance—tender but not mushy, sweet but not soggy.

Check out this pineapple upside down cake with cake mix for another example of using raw fruit effectively in baked desserts.

Step-by-Step Amish Apple Cake Recipe

Classic Moist Amish Apple Cake Instructions

Here’s the heart of the article: the complete Amish apple cake recipe made just like generations of Amish home bakers have done—simple, humble, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan with oil or cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth and combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Create the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Apples: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, carefully stir in the diced apples and nuts, if included.
6. Pour & Bake: Transfer the batter to the greased pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Glaze (Optional): Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully move it to a wire rack. For a finishing touch, drizzle with buttermilk glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

This recipe creates a dense, moist cake with sweet apple bits and spiced aroma in every bite. The longer it sits (within reason), the better the flavor becomes—ideal for make-ahead baking.

Amish Neighbor Cake Variation Explained

What is Amish Neighbor Cake? It’s simply a beloved twist on the classic Amish apple cake. Traditionally shared with neighbors during harvest, holidays, or times of need, this variation includes a buttermilk glaze poured over the warm cake, soaking into every bite.

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine buttermilk, butter, sugar, and baking soda.
2. Bring to a low boil while stirring constantly. Once the mixture thickens slightly and turns golden, remove from heat.
3. Stir in vanilla, then pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake.

This version is often baked in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation, and the glaze adds incredible richness that keeps the cake moist for days.

Looking for inspiration? Try our gluten-free king cake for another neighbor-friendly baked treat.

Baking Techniques & Tools

Oil or Butter: What’s Better for Apple Cake?

One of the most debated questions in baking circles is: Should you use oil or butter in apple cake? When it comes to an Amish apple cake recipe, oil is the clear traditional choice—and for good reason.

Here’s why oil wins:

• Keeps the Cake Moist Longer: Oil stays liquid at room temperature, so the crumb doesn’t dry out as quickly as it would with butter.
• Neutral Flavor: Vegetable oil lets the apple and spice flavors shine without adding a buttery note.
• Easier to Mix: No creaming required. Just whisk it in with eggs and sugar, making the prep faster and more accessible.

That said, some bakers still prefer butter for its rich taste and structure. If you’re aiming for flavor depth and don’t mind a slightly denser texture, you can substitute melted butter for half the oil. But for true Amish authenticity and longer shelf life, stick with oil.

Comparison	Oil	Butter
Moisture	Very moist	Slightly drier
Flavor Profile	Neutral	Rich, slightly salty
Shelf Life	Longer	Shorter
Ease of Use	No melting or creaming	Needs melting or softening
Amish Traditional	✅ Yes	❌ Less common

Best Bakeware and Oven Temps for Even Results

A good cake is only as good as how it bakes. Amish apple cake is a dense, moist cake, so choosing the right pan and baking conditions is key.

Recommended Bakeware:

• Bundt Pan: Traditional and visually impressive. Holds the thick batter well and helps with even baking.
• 9×13-inch Glass or Metal Pan: Ideal for sheet-style serving and storing.
• Loaf Pans (2): Perfect for gifting or freezing half for later.

Best Practices:

• Grease your pan well with oil or nonstick spray. You can also flour the pan to avoid sticking, especially with a bundt.
• Oven Temp: 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Too hot, and the outside will overbrown before the inside is done.
• Placement: Bake on the middle rack to ensure even air circulation.

Baking Tip: If your cake starts to brown too fast, tent the top with foil halfway through baking. Always check doneness with a toothpick—insert into the center, and it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Don’t miss our rhubarb pie with frozen rhubarb guide if you’re looking for more oven-tested baking classics.

Topping, Frosting & Serving Ideas

Buttermilk Glaze, Brown Sugar Crumble, or Cream Cheese Icing?

The beauty of an Amish apple cake recipe lies not just in its moist interior, but also in the toppings that enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re going for traditional or a creative twist, here are three tried-and-true options:

1. Classic Buttermilk Glaze (Amish Favorite)

This glaze is thin, tangy, and soaks into the cake for added moisture. It’s poured over the cake while still warm.

Simple Recipe:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp vanilla

Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan until bubbly and pour directly over the cake. The glaze creates a sweet crust as it cools.

2. Brown Sugar Crumble Topping

If you want texture and a warm, rustic look, this crumble adds a perfect buttery crunch.

Crumble Mix:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cold butter (cubed)

Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the batter before baking. It melts into a golden crust full of flavor.

3. Cream Cheese Icing

Ideal if you’re serving this cake as a dessert rather than a snack or breakfast.

Icing Recipe:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Beat together until smooth. Wait until the cake is fully cooled before spreading a thick layer on top.

How to Serve It: Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

This cake’s versatility is one of its biggest strengths. Whether it’s early morning or post-dinner, here are creative ways to serve it:

• Warm with Coffee: Serve a thick slice at breakfast or brunch alongside a dark roast. The cinnamon and apple pair beautifully.
• With Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• As a Snack Cake: Cut into bars and pack in school or work lunchboxes.
• Bundt Presentation: Glaze a bundt-shaped Amish apple cake and serve on a platter at your next gathering.

Learn more about rich, cozy baked desserts like our sourdough apple fritter bread to complement this cake on your fall table.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Amish Apple Cake for Freshness

A well-made Amish apple cake recipe will stay moist for days—if you store it properly. Because of the fresh apples and oil-based batter, the cake retains moisture naturally, but how and where you keep it makes all the difference.

Room Temperature Storage:

• Keep the cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
• Avoid storing near heat or sunlight to prevent spoiling.

Refrigerator Storage:

• Perfect for keeping the cake fresh for more than 3 days, particularly if it’s finished with cream cheese frosting.
• Wrap tightly or use a cake container to prevent drying out.
• Keeps well for up to 7 days in the fridge.

Can You Freeze It? Tips for Long-Term Storage

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. The moisture from the apples ensures it thaws without becoming dry or crumbly.

Freezing Instructions:

1. Let the cake cool completely before wrapping.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.
3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Thaw:

• Let the cake sit at room temperature (still wrapped) for several hours or overnight.
• Once thawed, you can refresh it in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes to bring back a just-baked texture.

Freezing Tips:

• Freeze individual slices for quick snacks or lunchbox treats.
• Avoid freezing cakes with cream cheese frosting—add the topping fresh after thawing.

Discover great ideas like our gluten-free king cake that also freezes well for make-ahead planning.

Amish Apple Cake Recipe Nutrition & Substitutes

Calories and Healthier Swaps

While the traditional Amish apple cake recipe isn’t exactly diet food, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle—and even adapted for lighter eating without losing its essence.

Typical Nutrition per Slice (1 of 12):

• Calories: 320–370
• Total Fat: 16–18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 28–32g
• Protein: 3–5g
• Fiber: 2g

These values vary based on toppings (like glaze or icing), nut additions, and portion sizes. To reduce calories and added sugar, try some of the substitutions below.

Making It Gluten-Free or Vegan

Here’s how you can adapt your cake to meet different dietary needs while still keeping that rich, moist texture.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add ½ tsp of xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t contain it, to help bind the cake.
• Avoid whole wheat alternatives as they can dry out the cake.

Vegan Substitutions:

• Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg, mixed and rested 5 minutes).
• Oil: Already vegan-friendly—stick with neutral vegetable or avocado oil.
• Buttermilk Glaze: Sub in unsweetened almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter alternative.

Healthier Adjustments:

• Sugar: Replace half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce to cut calories and add more moisture.
• Oil: Swap half the oil with Greek yogurt for protein and moisture.
• Flour: Use white whole wheat flour for added fiber without sacrificing texture.

Even with adjustments, the cake stays moist and flavorful. In fact, many health-conscious bakers prefer the applesauce version for its natural sweetness.

Check out our cinnamon pull apart bread guide to explore more ways to adapt comforting baked goods to your lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

Baking a traditional Amish apple cake recipe is more than following instructions—it’s about honoring time-tested methods, embracing fresh ingredients, and creating something that brings people together. Whether you stick to the classic version or adapt it with your own twist, this moist, spiced apple cake is a perfect addition to any kitchen table.

It’s easy enough for beginner bakers and flexible enough for dietary adjustments, making it a must-try for fall and beyond. Share it with your family, serve it to guests, or gift it to a neighbor—just like the Amish do.

Don’t miss our sourdough apple fritter bread and peach blueberry cobbler for more rustic, fruit-packed inspiration.

FAQs