Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and Flavorful – The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly soft while adding natural sweetness.
  • Perfectly Spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warm, cozy flavors.
  • Creamy Cinnamon Frosting – A luscious cream cheese frosting with a hint of cinnamon enhances every bite.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
  • Versatile – Enjoy it as a casual treat, holiday dessert, or special occasion cake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened applesauce

For the Frosting:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk (optional, for consistency)

Directions

  1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Cream the Butter & Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the Eggs & Vanilla – Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Bake the Cake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  7. Make the Frosting – In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, beating until creamy. If too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Frost & Serve – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12 slices
  • Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

  • Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • Fruity Addition – Mix in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Maple Frosting Twist – Replace vanilla extract in the frosting with maple extract for a richer taste.
  • Lighter Option – Reduce the sugar slightly and use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration – Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing – Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
  • Room Temperature – If unfrosted, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheating – Serve at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade applesauce?

Yes, homemade applesauce works well. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the best balance of flavors.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving for the freshest taste.

3. How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.

4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.

5. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

Mascarpone cheese or a simple buttercream frosting can be used as alternatives.

6. How can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream cheese substitute for the frosting.

7. What size pan can I use instead of 9×13?

You can use two 9-inch round pans for a layered cake. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.

8. Can I add a caramel drizzle?

Yes! A light drizzle of caramel over the frosting adds a delicious touch.

9. Should I refrigerate the cake after frosting?

Yes, since the frosting contains cream cheese, store the cake in the fridge when not serving.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting, but keep in mind it may alter the texture.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, cozy dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with warm flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a spiced treat, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy every bite!

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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and spiced dessert made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This easy-to-make cake is topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect treat for fall, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups unsweetened applesauce

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with applesauce. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Bake the Cake

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

7. Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, beating until creamy. If too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.

8. Frost & Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

✔ Nutty Crunch – Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
✔ Fruity Twist – Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
✔ Maple Frosting – Swap vanilla extract for maple extract in the frosting.
✔ Lighter Version – Reduce sugar slightly and use low-fat cream cheese.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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