Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that embodies all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. The applesauce keeps the cake tender and adds natural sweetness, while the cinnamon cream cheese frosting provides a creamy and spicy finish that perfectly complements the cake. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any time you’re craving something deliciously spiced. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Applesauce Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
Make the Applesauce Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Applesauce: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan(s) before frosting.
Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Cinnamon: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If using round cake pans, stack the layers with frosting between them and cover the top and sides.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce gives you control over the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use sweetened applesauce.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
Variations
- Apple Nut Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spiced Frosting: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the frosting for an even spicier flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- Holiday Treat: This cake is perfect for fall and winter holidays. Serve it at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Breakfast or Brunch: The flavors of this cake also make it a great choice for a breakfast or brunch treat, especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the applesauce cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature. Frost it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze Applesauce Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
Can I Use a Different Type of Frosting?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use a simple vanilla buttercream or even a caramel frosting instead of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
How Do I Make the Cake Less Sweet?
To make the cake less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and use unsweetened applesauce. The natural sweetness of the applesauce will still provide plenty of flavor.
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of warm spices, tender cake, and creamy cinnamon frosting makes it a comforting treat that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or just as a cozy dessert at home, this cake is bound to impress. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy the delightful taste of this spiced applesauce cake!
Happy Baking!
