Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Not only is it simple, but it’s also packed with rich, warm flavors that feel like a cozy hug. Whether it’s a chilly fall day, or you’re simply craving a touch of cinnamon and spice, this cake makes the perfect dessert. Plus, when topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it becomes absolutely impossible to resist! In fact, this applesauce cake is so moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful that you’ll find yourself coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This isn’t your average dessert—it’s a treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. You’ll love this recipe because:

  • It’s packed with natural sweetness from applesauce, so you can cut back on added sugar.
  • Perfect for any season: apples bring out the best flavors, whether it’s fall or summer.
  • The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess and warmth that pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.
  • Kid-friendly and easy to make, so it’s perfect for baking with little helpers!

Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions so you can make this tasty treat yourself!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
And1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
One large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
One teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve this moist, spiced applesauce cake with its deliciously creamy frosting

Notes and Tips

1. Use Unsweetened Applesauce

Using unsweetened applesauce lets you control the sweetness of your cake. If you only have sweetened applesauce, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup to balance the flavors.

2. Get Creative with Add-Ins

Want to elevate your cake? Try adding in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch. Or, throw in a handful of raisins or diced apples for extra texture.

3. Spice it Up

If you’re a spice lover, feel free to adjust the spices. Adding a pinch of allspice or ginger can give the cake even more depth. You could also increase the cinnamon by an extra ½ teaspoon.

4. Make It Ahead

This cake actually tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.

5. Frosting Consistency

For a thicker frosting, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired texture. If you prefer it on the softer side, a tablespoon of milk or cream can make it smoother.

6. Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for 2-3 months in the freezer!

7. Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch, dust the top with cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving. This cake is also delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Nutritional Information (per serving):

NutrientAmount
Calories~300
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat4g
Cholesterol30mg
Sodium200mg
Total Carbohydrates45g
Dietary Fiber2g
Sugars30g
Protein4g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion size.

Health Benefits

1. Applesauce: A Healthy Baking Alternative

Applesauce is a fantastic ingredient for healthier baking. It adds natural sweetness and keeps baked goods moist, all while being low in calories and high in fiber. Applesauce also contains vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body.

2. Spices for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with antioxidants. Cinnamon, in particular, is known to help with blood sugar regulation and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg and cloves also contain compounds that promote digestive health.

3. Cream Cheese: Calcium Boost

While the frosting does add a bit of indulgence, cream cheese also provides a good dose of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while protein helps support muscle health.

4. Lower Sugar Content Option

Since this cake uses applesauce, you can cut down on the amount of added sugar compared to traditional cakes. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a dessert with less refined sugar. You could also experiment with natural sweeteners, like maple syrup or honey, for an even more wholesome treat.

5. Fewer Unhealthy Fats

This cake uses vegetable oil instead of butter, reducing the amount of saturated fat in the recipe. Vegetable oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it a better choice for overall cardiovascular health.

FAQs

1. Can I make this applesauce cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Many gluten-free flours work well in this recipe and will still give you a moist and flavorful cake.

2. Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, you can. If you use sweetened applesauce, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the cake by ¼ cup to prevent it from being overly sweet. This adjustment helps balance the flavors nicely.

3. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or olive oil if you’d prefer. Both options work well in this recipe and can add a subtle flavor variation. For a lower-fat option, you could use unsweetened Greek yogurt in place of half of the oil, keeping the cake moist while cutting down on fat.

4. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is even better the next day! You can bake it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just wait to frost it until right before serving if you’re making it ahead.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, slice it into pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

6. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into cupcakes! Just divide the batter evenly into a lined cupcake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Is there a way to reduce the sugar in the frosting?

Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can cut back on the powdered sugar by about ½ cup. You can also add an extra pinch of salt, which helps to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, try using honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, adjusting the amount until you reach your desired sweetness.

8. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make this cake dairy-free, replace the cream cheese in the frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut oil instead of butter. Most of the cake ingredients are already dairy-free, so it’s an easy adjustment!

Helpful Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A New Family Favorite!”

“This applesauce cake has become a staple in our house! It’s so easy to make, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting is out of this world. I added a handful of chopped walnuts, which added a nice crunch. My kids loved it, and I love that it’s not overly sweet. We’ll be making this again for sure!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect Fall Dessert!”

“I made this cake for a fall get-together, and everyone raved about it. The cake is super moist, and the spices give it that perfect cozy flavor. I used sweetened applesauce since that’s what I had, and it was just the right amount of sweetness for us. I’ll definitely make this again!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy and Delicious!”

“I’m not much of a baker, but this cake was so easy to put together! I did use a bit more cinnamon because I love cinnamon. The frosting was so creamy and paired perfectly with the cake. I’ll try it with a touch of ginger next time to see how it turns out.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great Recipe with Minor Adjustments”

“I had to make a few adjustments based on what I had in the pantry. I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil and added a bit more powdered sugar to the frosting to make it thicker. It turned out great! The cake itself is really moist and flavorful. Highly recommend!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Moist, Flavorful, and Freezes Well”

“Made this applesauce cake for a party, and it was a big hit. I had some leftovers, so I froze individual slices. Just defrosted one today, and it was just as delicious as the first day! The frosting is the perfect amount of tangy and sweet. This recipe is a keeper!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for Gluten-Free Baking!”

“I used a gluten-free flour blend, and it worked beautifully. The cake was still soft and moist, and no one even noticed it was gluten-free. I’ll be making this cake again and might even try adding some raisins or apple chunks for extra texture next time.”

Print
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A slice of moist Applesauce Cake layered with rich, creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The cake is dense and packed with warm apple flavor, while the frosting adds a smooth, spiced sweetness. Lightly dusted with cinnamon on top, the cake sits on a white plate, showcasing its soft texture and deliciously inviting layers—perfect for a cozy fall dessert.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

“Discover a delicious Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! Moist, easy-to-make, and filled with warm spices—perfect for fall or any time. Learn the recipe, get tips, and find out why this cake will become your new favorite dessert!”

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve this moist, spiced applesauce cake with its deliciously creamy frosting

Notes

1. Use Unsweetened Applesauce

Using unsweetened applesauce lets you control the sweetness of your cake. If you only have sweetened applesauce, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by about ¼ cup to balance the flavors.

2. Get Creative with Add-Ins

Want to elevate your cake? Try adding in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch. Or, throw in a handful of raisins or diced apples for extra texture.

3. Spice it Up

If you’re a spice lover, feel free to adjust the spices. Adding a pinch of allspice or ginger can give the cake even more depth. You could also increase the cinnamon by an extra ½ teaspoon.

4. Make It Ahead

This cake actually tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.

5. Frosting Consistency

For a thicker frosting, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired texture. If you prefer it on the softer side, a tablespoon of milk or cream can make it smoother.

6. Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for 2-3 months in the freezer!

7. Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch, dust the top with cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving. This cake is also delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~300
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Keywords: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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