Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, you absolutely must try this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is a perfect balance of moist, tender crumb thanks to the applesauce, a warm hug from the cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s spiked with just the right amount of cinnamon. It’s an easy recipe that feels like a special occasion every time, whether for a coffee break or a festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this applesauce cake. From the smooth applesauce providing moisture to the warm spices giving that autumnal warmth, every component adds to this recipe’s charm.

• Applesauce (1 1/2 cups, unsweetened): Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake incredibly moist without extra oil.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake, creating structure and lightness.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise perfectly for a fluffy texture.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the acidic applesauce to give the cake a tender crumb.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Provides that classic spicy warmth essential to autumn desserts.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle depth to the spice profile.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and a delicate crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps with the tender texture.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Combines with applesauce to keep the cake soft and tender.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Base for the frosting, bringing tangy richness.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened) for frosting: Adds smoothness and body.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and firms the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) for frosting: Gives the cream cheese frosting that irresistible spiced kick.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for frosting: Adds a lovely aroma to the cream cheese topping.
• Milk (2-3 tablespoons for frosting): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and dust it lightly with flour or use parchment paper to ensure your cake releases beautifully once baked. This preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish that doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these together so the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed across the flour. This guarantees that every bite has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This process aerates the batter so your cake gains a tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then fold in the vanilla extract to boost the cake’s aromatic profile.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Applesauce and Milk

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce and milk—you’ll start and finish with the dry mix. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so keep it light and tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt, so give it this necessary time to cool before moving on.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare your frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in cinnamon and vanilla extract. If the frosting feels too thick, a tablespoon or two of milk will loosen it to your desired spreadability.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the surface using a spatula or butter knife. The frosting’s creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the spiced, moist cake underneath, making each slice a delight.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your beautifully frosted applesauce cake and get ready to savor every bite. This cake is a showstopper at any gathering—rich with spice, moist from the applesauce, and decadent with the cinnamon cream cheese icing.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this cake’s presentation and flavor even more, consider sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or finely chopped toasted walnuts on top of the frosting. A few thin apple slices or candied pecans can add a festive touch, making the cake perfectly photogenic and irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, complementing the spices in the frosting. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or cranberries can brighten the plate and add an extra layer to your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Try cutting the cake into small squares or even bite-sized cubes and serve on a wooden board with cheese and nuts for a unique dessert platter. You could also turn it into elegant layered cupcakes or layer the cake and frosting in a trifle glass for a stunning look that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your applesauce cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for the perfect texture and flavor, but you might find it’s so good, it never lasts that long!

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save cake for another day, the unfrosted cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, especially if you’ve refrigerated or frozen it, slice and microwave a piece for about 15–20 seconds or warm briefly in an oven set at 300°F (150°C). If frosted, take care not to overheat so the frosting doesn’t melt completely—this temperature keeps that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce for this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes, you can, but since the recipe already includes sugar, using sweetened applesauce may make the cake sweeter than intended. If you prefer a less sweet cake, use unsweetened applesauce or reduce the sugar slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might be slightly different but just as enjoyable.

Can I replace the cream cheese frosting with buttercream?

You can, but the cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a key feature of this recipe, providing a tangy contrast to the spice cake. If you prefer buttercream, adding cinnamon to it will help maintain that warm flavor profile.

How long does this cake keep fresh at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days. At room temperature, the frosting may spoil and the cake can dry out more quickly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins pair wonderfully with the spices and applesauce. Just fold in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your choice into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. The harmonious blend of tender, spiced cake and creamy, cinnamon-sweet frosting is comforting and delicious in every way. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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