Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices and a creamy, tangy frosting. Perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is easy to prepare and offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons 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 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
- Make the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the ground cinnamon and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, evenly spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula or knife. Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped walnuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the level of sweetness and moisture.
- The cinnamon in the frosting can be adjusted to taste for a milder or stronger spice flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, moist spice cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe