This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect blend of warm spices and rich, creamy frosting. With its moist texture and balanced sweetness, this cake is an irresistible treat for any occasion, from fall gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Why I keep making this
- Rich and Moist: Applesauce keeps the cake incredibly tender.
- Warmly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add deep autumnal flavors.
- Creamy and Indulgent Frosting: The cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting complements the cake beautifully.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this an accessible recipe for all skill levels.
- Customizable: Add nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Pantry check
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, beating until well combined and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve.
How long it takes
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
Swap ideas
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of maple syrup to the frosting.
- Healthier Twist: Use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- Lighter Frosting: Reduce the powdered sugar or use Greek yogurt for a tangier topping.
Keeping it fresh
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Bring to room temperature before serving or warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes! Just ensure it’s unsweetened and smooth for the best consistency.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
Try Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a different texture and taste.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, reduce the granulated and brown sugar slightly, but note that it may alter texture.
What other spices can I use?
Pumpkin spice or allspice can be used for a more complex flavor.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes.
How do I make the frosting smoother?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
What toppings go well with this cake?
Chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar are great options.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and bring to room temperature before using.
One last tip
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, spiced, and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with its creamy frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade treat!
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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: PT1H
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist Lovely Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, spiced to perfection and topped with frosting—a cozy treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, beating until well combined and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Slice and serve.
Notes
- Spice it up! Use cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the cozy, warm flavors of your applesauce cake.
- Smooth caramel magic! Let the caramel cool slightly before mixing in powdered sugar to avoid grainy frosting.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT40M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American