Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

If you love the cozy warmth of a homemade cake that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents, then this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new best friend. This cake is moist, lightly spiced, and perfect for everything from a casual afternoon snack to a holiday dessert spread. Imagine a soft, flavorful cake, rich with applesauce and cinnamon, topped with a luscious swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy goodness that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is simple to make yet delivers a show-stopping result. The applesauce keeps the cake wonderfully moist, while the frosting adds a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the cake’s natural flavors. Trust me, it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want to invite everyone over to enjoy it with you—and believe me, they’ll want to take the recipe home!

Why You’ll Love Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist & Flavorful:

The applesauce in the cake ensures that it’s incredibly moist and tender, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy, comforting warmth to every bite.

Perfectly Spiced:

It has just the right amount of spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla—that gives the cake a flavor reminiscent of autumn, but delicious enough to enjoy year-round.

Easy to Make:

No need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients. This cake comes together easily with pantry staples, and the frosting is a breeze to whip up.

Frosting Perfection:

The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is silky, tangy, and sweet with a delightful spiced kick that pairs perfectly with the cake’s flavors. It’s the frosting dreams are made of!

A Crowd-Pleaser:

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Ready to make this delightful cake? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Applesauce Cake:

• Applesauce: The hero ingredient that gives the cake its moist texture and subtle sweetness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, providing the structure for the cake without being too dense.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A combo of these leavening agents helps the cake rise to a perfect light and fluffy texture.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give the cake its warm, spiced flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness, balanced by the natural sweetness of the applesauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, keeping the cake tender.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the other flavors in the cake.
• Milk: To help bring everything together into a smooth batter.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
• Butter: A little butter in the frosting helps it stay rich and creamy.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
• Cinnamon: For that lovely warm spiced flavor that pairs so well with the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch for extra flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

2. Make the Applesauce Cake Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

4. Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat until fluffy. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is well combined.

5. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or a butter knife to create a smooth or slightly textured finish, depending on your preference.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While this cake is perfect on its own, here are a few ideas to make your experience even better:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream:

Serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the cake.

For a Special Occasion:

Top each slice with a light dusting of ground cinnamon, a few candied pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate it for a special gathering or holiday meal.

With a Hot Drink:

This cake is ideal when paired with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider. The spiced flavors of the cake complement the drink perfectly.

As a Dessert for Brunch:

Cut the cake into smaller squares to serve as part of a dessert table or brunch spread. It’s a great way to end a meal or share with guests.

Additional Tips

Use Freshly Ground Spices:

If possible, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg. It makes a big difference in flavor and adds extra warmth to the cake.

Frosting Tip:

If you want the frosting to be a bit more spreadable, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Storage:

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer, though the frosting might firm up a bit when chilled.

Make it a Layer Cake:

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can turn this into a two-layer cake. Just divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans, bake, and then stack with frosting in between for a more dramatic presentation!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A1: Yes! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute it with buttercream frosting or whipped cream frosting. Just adjust the flavorings accordingly.

Q2: Can I freeze this cake?

A2: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Q3: Can I make the cake ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature. Frost right before serving for the best results.

Q4: Can I use applesauce with added sugar?

A4: Yes, but keep in mind that your cake might be a little sweeter. You may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance things out.

Q5: Can I make this cake without the cinnamon?

A5: While cinnamon is a key flavor in this cake, you could substitute with other spices like ginger or allspice, or omit it entirely for a more neutral flavor.

Q6: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A6: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it for structure.

Q7: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

A7: Be sure to measure your flour correctly and not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.

Q8: Can I use a different frosting flavor?

A8: Definitely! If you want to switch it up, you could use chocolate cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a maple frosting for a different spin.

Q9: How do I know when the cake is done?

A9: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. It should also feel firm to the touch and slightly pull away from the sides of the pan.

Q10: Can I use store-bought frosting?

A10: Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting can be a great option. Just make sure to add a pinch of cinnamon to it for that extra kick.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting flavors of fall with the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. With its moist texture and rich frosting, it’s the kind of cake you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with loved ones, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!

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