Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. The cake combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of applesauce, resulting in a tender crumb. Topped with a smooth and tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a delightful balance of spices and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Applesauce Cake
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce (unsweetened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for desired frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: 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 powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg if using. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce and milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 to 16 servings and enjoy this moist, delicious apple-spiced cake.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use homemade applesauce or a brand with no added sugar.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg slightly.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
