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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices. The creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced cake, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  3. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
  4. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface using a spatula. Optionally, garnish the frosted cake with a light dusting of additional cinnamon or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  5. Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for best taste. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or butter for a different flavor.
  • For added texture, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter before baking.
  • If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon to 3 teaspoons or add a pinch of ground cloves.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, moist cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe, homemade frosting