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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy, flavorful, and easy to make, look no further! This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting checks all the boxes. Imagine the warm spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a soft cake, topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused frosting—absolute perfection. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, provide tips and tricks, and even share a few health benefits. So, let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 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

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish, ensuring that the cake will release smoothly later.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These spices create a lovely base flavor for the applesauce cake.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until they form a light, fluffy mixture. Beat in the egg until fully combined. Next, stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients will not only flavor the cake but also keep it super moist.

3. Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cake may become dense! Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the frosting.

4. Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, it’s time to whip up the delicious cinnamon cream cheese frosting! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, continuing to beat until everything is light, fluffy, and well-combined.

5. Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy this moist, spiced applesauce cake with a rich, creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Here are a few handy tips to help you create the perfect applesauce cake:

  • Applesauce matters: Using unsweetened applesauce ensures the cake isn’t overly sweet. If you only have sweetened applesauce, reduce the sugar in the recipe by a few tablespoons.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and an even texture.
  • Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Customization: You can add mix-ins like raisins, chopped walnuts, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moist applesauce cake, Cinnamon cream cheese frosting, Easy spiced cake recipe, Homemade applesauce cake