Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy dessert that bursts with the comforting flavors of fall, look no further than this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly balances moist, spiced cake and luscious, creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual tea, or just because, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and turns them into a show-stopping dessert that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is essential because each one brings something special to the table—from moisture and sweetness to flavor and texture. The ingredients here are straightforward but combine to create a complex flavor profile and a beautiful, tender crumb.

• Unsweetened Applesauce: This adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist without extra fat.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure ensuring a tender yet sturdy crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents are key for a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that make the cake irresistibly fragrant and seasonal.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb soft and tender while adding subtle richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavor profile of the cake.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy base for the frosting that adds a tangy, luscious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Butter: Blends into the frosting for a smooth, creamy finish.
• Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the cream cheese’s tang.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan—this setup will ensure even baking and easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently so you don’t overmix but still get a perfectly uniform batter ready for baking.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake’s aroma will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely—this step is crucial for the frosting to set beautifully without melting.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, get started on that irresistible cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, blending until the frosting is fluffy and perfectly spiced. This frosting is what takes the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting from tasty to truly memorable.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Don’t be shy here; a generous layer not only adds richness but also balances the warm spices of the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts for some crunch and visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your masterpiece into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled—both ways bring out the delightful flavors and creamy frosting. This cake is perfect for any occasion and sure to win over cookie lovers and cake fans alike.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or a handful of finely chopped walnuts adds a lovely finishing touch, boosting both aroma and texture. You could also sprinkle with a few dried apple chips for a pretty presentation and an extra apple hit.

Side Dishes

This applesauce cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to keep it light. A cup of hot spiced apple cider or chai tea also complements the cinnamon notes beautifully for elevating your dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special brunch, serve the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting as individual mini cakes or cut into bite-sized squares arranged on decorative platters. You can even layer it into a trifle glass with whipped cream and cinnamon dusting for a stunning presentation that tastes incredible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost just before serving to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy.

Reheating

If you prefer your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting slightly warm, allow it to come to room temperature after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving with frosting on, as it may melt and become too soft—warming just the cake portion slightly is best.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

You can, but keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will add extra sugar, so you might want to reduce the brown sugar slightly to keep the cake balanced and not overly sweet.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the cake’s structure.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

Yes, you can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or even applesauce to reduce fat, though this might slightly affect the texture and moisture level of the cake.

How long does the cinnamon cream cheese frosting keep?

The frosting stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Always give it a quick stir before spreading if stored separately or after refrigeration.

What is the best way to cut the cake cleanly?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For the cleanest slices, chill the frosted cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing to firm up the frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its tender crumb, gentle spice, and creamy frosting come together in a way that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and delight yourself and your loved ones with this heavenly dessert!

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