This homemade applesauce cake is soft, moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The applesauce gives the cake a tender texture and subtle apple flavor, while cinnamon adds that cozy homemade touch.
It is perfect for fall gatherings, afternoon coffee, holidays, or whenever you want an easy, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
For the Applesauce Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Add the Applesauce
Add the applesauce and mix gently.
The batter may look slightly uneven at this stage, which is completely normal.
Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix just until everything is combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the finished cake dense instead of tender.
Step 7: Add the Nuts
If you’re using walnuts or pecans, gently fold them into the batter.
Step 8: Pour Into the Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly.
Step 9: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–45 minutes.
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 11: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 12: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
Once incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the frosting becomes fluffy.
Step 13: Add Cinnamon and Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Mix until evenly combined.
If the frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 14: Frost the Cake
Make sure the cake is completely cool.
Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
For a decorative finish, use a piping bag to create swirls around the edges.
Step 15: Add a Finishing Touch
Lightly sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon.
You can also decorate it with chopped pecans or walnuts.
How to Serve
Cut the cake into slices and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
It’s delicious alongside:
- Hot coffee
- Black tea
- Chai
- Warm apple cider
- A glass of cold milk
The combination of moist applesauce cake, warm cinnamon, and tangy cream cheese frosting makes every bite rich and comforting.
Helpful Tips
Use unsweetened applesauce so you have better control over the sweetness.
For an even stronger apple flavor, use homemade applesauce or chunky applesauce.
Don’t frost the cake while it is still warm, because the cream cheese frosting can become soft and slide off.
For extra texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
You can also add a handful of raisins for a classic applesauce-cake variation.
Storage
Because the frosting contains cream cheese, store the finished cake covered in the refrigerator.
It can generally be kept refrigerated for several days. Let individual slices sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s simple enough for an ordinary afternoon but special enough to serve at a holiday gathering. 🍎🤎😍
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