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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/applesauce-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/