Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat combining natural sweetness from applesauce with warm spices and a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake offers a cozy, comforting flavor with a soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and evenly combined.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For an extra touch, garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts if desired.
- Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this comforting dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or canola oil.
- For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts into the batter or as a topping.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This cake can be doubled for a larger pan or layered cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, spice cake, moist cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe
