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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce (all-natural)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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