Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect treat combining the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices. Ideal for dessert or any special occasion, the cake is tender, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a luscious, creamy cinnamon-infused frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/4 cups 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
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until well combined but do not overmix.
- 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. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, beating continuously until the frosting is light, fluffy, and evenly combined.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface with a spatula. Optionally, garnish with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for a refreshing treat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness and moisture in the cake.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the optional walnut garnish.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe
