Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful fall dessert, featuring warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is tender and sweetened naturally with applesauce, complemented perfectly by a creamy cinnamon-spiced frosting. An easy-to-make, comforting homemade cake ideal for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 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 prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Applesauce: Stir in the unsweetened applesauce into the wet ingredients until fully blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans carefully to distribute evenly through the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or additional chopped nuts for added texture and appearance.
Notes
- To make cupcakes, divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture and flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.
- Using unsweetened applesauce keeps the cake moist without adding extra sugar.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch to the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
