Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced applesauce cake with rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for fall or any occasion, this cake is a comforting treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of soft, spiced cake and tangy cinnamon frosting is simply irresistible!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Applesauce Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce (unsweetened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for desired frosting consistency)
Instructions
-
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce and milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve! The cake is best enjoyed after chilling for a little while so the frosting sets.
Notes
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your tastes. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Frosting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the amount of milk. For a smoother, thinner consistency, add a bit more milk.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Substitutes: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor, or replace part of the butter with oil for a slightly different texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg