Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

There's something magical about the scent of baking that brings me right back to my childhood kitchen. I remember my mom pulling a warm Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting from the oven, the sweet aroma filling every corner of our home. It was a cozy Saturday afternoon ritual, and as soon as the cake was cool enough to frost, we'd gather around the table, eager for our first slice. To this day, that cake is my go-to for celebrations, or just a rainy day pick-me-up. It's comforting, nostalgic, and always seems to make everything better.

This Applesauce Cake is perfect for the fall season when apples are in abundance, but honestly, it's a delight any time of year! The moistness from the applesauce blends beautifully with the warm spices, and that cinnamon cream cheese frosting? Oh, it's the cherry on top. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

Why You'll Love "Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting"

• Quick prep time of just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Moist and flavorful, thanks to the applesauce and warm spices.
• Family-friendly dessert that kids and adults alike will love.
• Minimal ingredients mean you probably have everything you need at home!
• Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a slice anytime you crave something sweet.
• Easy to customize with different spices or add-ins like nuts or raisins.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I like to use unbleached for a richer flavor.)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (Make sure it's fresh for that perfect rise!)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (Don't skip this; it's key for the moist texture.)
• ½ teaspoon salt (Just enough to balance the sweetness.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Always use fresh spices for the best flavor.)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (A little nutmeg goes a long way in adding warmth.)
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (This gives it that cozy, autumnal vibe.)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temperature makes it easier to cream.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (You can substitute half with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.)
• ½ cup brown sugar (Use packed brown sugar for added moisture.)
• 2 large eggs (If you prefer, you can use flax eggs for a vegan option.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Always opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce (Homemade is fantastic, but store-bought works just fine.)

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (This adds richness to the frosting.)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (Sifted to avoid lumps for a smooth frosting.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (A must for that warm spice flavor in the frosting.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Again, pure vanilla is the way to go!)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (Optional, to achieve your desired frosting consistency.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
2. While the oven is heating, grease and flour a baking pan. A 9x13 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.

Make the Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
2. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in 1 ½ cups of unsweetened applesauce until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don't worry if it looks a bit runny; that's how it should be!

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add in 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again. If your frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has completely cooled, place it on a serving platter.
2. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the cake, letting it spill over the edges for that beautiful homemade look.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
• Use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce for a pumpkin spice cake.
• Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream cheese and vegan butter.
• For a fun twist, stir in some raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve this delightful cake at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting or garnish with apple slices for a beautiful presentation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter version, you can replace half of the sugar with applesauce or a sugar substitute.
• Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you have a nut allergy, simply omit any nuts or use seeds instead.
• For a vegan option, swap the eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
• This cake can be made a day ahead; just frost it before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flax eggs as a substitute. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This works well for binding in the cake. For more information on egg substitutes, check out Healthline's guide to egg substitutes.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. If you're looking for a richer texture, you can also use less milk when mixing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited to try this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting as I am to share it with you! It's a recipe that brings comfort and joy, perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Don't hesitate to let your creativity shine - whether it's adding your favorite nuts or tweaking the spices, make it your own! I promise, once you take that first bite, you'll understand why this cake is a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, tie on that apron, and let's make some delicious memories together!