Name: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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)

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)

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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