There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting wafting through your kitchen. This Applesauce Cake is a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The moist, tender crumb of the cake pairs perfectly with the rich and tangy frosting, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual family dinner, or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is perfect. Here’s why it’s a standout:

Versatile: Great for dessert, a sweet snack, or even breakfast (we won’t judge!). It fits seamlessly into any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—no fancy trips to specialty stores needed.
Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, making it an approachable recipe for bakers of all levels.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good applesauce cake, and the frosting takes it to the next level.
Customizable: Want to add nuts, raisins, or extra spices? Go for it! This recipe is your canvas.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this cake so special:

Applesauce: The key to the cake’s moist texture and natural sweetness. It also cuts down on the need for added fat.

Flour: The base of the cake. You can use all-purpose flour or try a gluten-free alternative.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These warm spices create that signature cozy flavor.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that golden crust.

Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake structure.

Butter: Adds richness and depth to the cake’s flavor.

Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, giving it that tangy, creamy goodness.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.

Cinnamon: Enhances the frosting with a touch of spice.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking for your cake.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of the cake after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the applesauce, sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a light touch keeps the cake tender.

Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy.

Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy every luscious bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

Warm with a Dollop: Heat a slice slightly and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: The spices in the cake make it a perfect companion to your favorite hot beverage.
Decorate for Occasions: Add festive sprinkles or chopped nuts for a special touch.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted slices for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Make It Yours: Add shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade applesauce? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s smooth and not overly chunky.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar? You can cut the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the cake’s texture.

Q4: How do I store leftover frosting? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q5: Can I use this recipe for cupcakes? Yes! Adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat the cake? Microwave slices in 15-second intervals until warm.

Q7: Can I double the recipe? Sure! Use a larger pan or bake in two 9×13 pans.

Q8: What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting? You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a different twist.

Q9: How can I make the frosting less sweet? Add a pinch of salt or use less powdered sugar.

Q10: Can I make the cake without eggs? Yes, replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

Conclusion

Baking this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just about making a dessert—it’s about creating a moment of joy. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to bake your way to happiness. Trust me, you’ll be coming back to this one time and time again!

Applesauce Cake

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Applesauce Cake is spiced to perfection and topped with a smooth cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake 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 before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and well blended.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Serving: Slice the cake into 12-15 servings and enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t like nuts, you can leave them out or substitute with raisins for added texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This cake also freezes well. Freeze slices individually for a convenient treat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 350
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg