Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for cozy gatherings. The cake combines tender applesauce with fragrant cinnamon, topped with a rich, creamy frosting that complements every bite. It’s an inviting treat that’s easy to make and enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed)
• Optional garnishes: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Mix the applesauce and vegetable oil into the creamed mixture until combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Step 6: Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase speed to blend thoroughly.
10. Step 10: Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: If desired, level the cake’s surface with a serrated knife. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
12. Step 12: Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or chopped nuts for a decorative finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use unsweetened applesauce to control the cake’s sweetness. If using sweetened applesauce, reduce granulated sugar slightly.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
• To make cupcakes, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, fill 2/3 full, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
• Sift powdered sugar before frosting to ensure a smooth texture without lumps.

Storage

Store the frosted cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but reduce the granulated sugar slightly to balance the overall sweetness of the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The cake should also be lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 107 reviews

A moist and flavorful applesauce cake infused with warm spices and topped with a smooth cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert features the natural sweetness of applesauce combined with a tender crumb and rich, creamy frosting, perfect for fall gatherings or any cozy occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed)

Optional Garnishes

• Apple slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined. This helps distribute leaveners and spices evenly throughout the batter.
3. Cream butter and sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes, which incorporates air for a tender crumb.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Incorporate wet ingredients: Mix the applesauce and vegetable oil into the creamed mixture until fully blended. This adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
7. Optional nuts: Gently fold in chopped walnuts if you desire added crunch and nuttiness.
8. Pour batter and bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
9. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack until fully cool. Cooling is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
10. Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
11. Add sugar and spices: Gradually add 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar and ground cinnamon while beating on low speed to minimize sugar dust, then increase speed to fully incorporate.
12. Flavor and adjust consistency: Mix in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
13. Frost the cake: If needed, level the cake’s top with a serrated knife for an even surface. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife.
14. Decorate: Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or chopped walnuts for a decorative, thematic finish. Optionally, create an elegant swirl pattern in the frosting using a toothpick or fork.

Notes

• Use unsweetened applesauce to better control the cake’s sweetness; reduce granulated sugar if using sweetened applesauce.
• Do not overmix batter to avoid a dense cake.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
• Sift powdered sugar before adding to frosting for a lump-free consistency.
• For cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, filling liners 2/3 full.

Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, fall dessert, moist cake recipe