Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness.; All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.; Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and keeps the cake moist.; Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.; Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice to the cake.; Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.; Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender.; Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.; Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the frosting.; Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.; Butter: Adds creaminess to the frosting.; Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the frosting.

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Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen. It’s a chilly evening, and nothing sounds better than a warm, moist slice of cake topped with creamy, spiced frosting. Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the dessert that brings all those cozy feelings to life. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a slice by yourself, it’s pure comfort in every bite. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your home with a delightful aroma that feels just like a hug.

What is Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting?

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a soft, moist cake made with applesauce, warm spices, and topped with a rich, creamy cinnamon frosting. The applesauce keeps the cake moist without making it dense, while the frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese creates a flavor that’s comforting and nostalgic, making it a perfect dessert for fall or any time you crave something homey.

Ingredients for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake uses simple ingredients that combine to create a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredient	Purpose
Unsweetened Applesauce	Adds moisture and natural sweetness
All-Purpose Flour	Forms the cake’s structure
Brown Sugar	Adds a deeper sweetness and keeps the cake moist
Baking Soda and Baking Powder	Helps the cake rise and become fluffy
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg	Adds warmth and spice to the cake
Eggs	Binds ingredients and adds richness
Vegetable Oil	Keeps the cake soft and tender
Vanilla Extract	Enhances the overall flavor
Cream Cheese	Forms the base of the frosting
Powdered Sugar	Sweetens and thickens the frosting
Butter	Adds creaminess to the frosting
Ground Cinnamon (for frosting)	Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the frosting

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating this cozy dessert is straightforward and satisfying. Follow these steps for a flawless cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting.

Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating on low until combined and fluffy.
Increase the speed to make the frosting light and smooth.

Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
Optionally, dust with extra cinnamon or garnish with chopped walnuts for added texture.

Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Use Unsweetened Applesauce: It provides moisture without making the cake overly sweet.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Applying frosting to a warm cake will make it melt.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures that the batter mixes smoothly.
Beat the Frosting Well: Incorporating air makes the frosting light and fluffy.

Variations and Customizations

Add Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger for an extra warm flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Lower Sugar Option: Use half the brown sugar and add a bit more cinnamon to keep the flavor bold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled for a dense, moist texture, or at room temperature for a lighter feel.
Pair with a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	28g
Sodium	220mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it just before serving. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerated if frosted.

How do I store leftover cake?

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and frost when ready to serve.

Can I use homemade applesauce?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds a more robust flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to keep the cake balanced.

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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.”