Are you looking for a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and packed with warm, cozy flavors? This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat! It’s incredibly moist, full of spiced goodness, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet moment at home, this cake will fill your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of homemade goodness.
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Why Make This Recipe
This cake is a winner for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is a great way to use up extra applesauce. Plus, the cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level! This is a great dessert for family gatherings, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Making this delightful cake is easy! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a tasty treat to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until everything is combined well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- In another large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until it is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and serve.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is perfect for serving at family gatherings, birthdays, or just as a treat after dinner. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
How to Store Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it without frosting for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving, and frost it when you’re ready.
Tips to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother frosting.
- If you want to add a bit of crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
- Try using homemade applesauce for a more robust flavor!
Variation
You can easily switch up the spices in the cake or add ingredients like raisins or chopped nuts for a fun twist. For a chocolate lover’s version, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter.
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until everything is combined well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- In another large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until it is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother frosting.
- If you want to add a bit of crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
- Try using homemade applesauce for a more robust flavor!
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You May Also Like – More Cozy Desserts to Try!
If you love this cake, here are more delicious desserts you’ll enjoy:
Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread – A moist, apple-packed bread with a cinnamon swirl and glaze.
Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls – Fluffy sweet rolls with a bright and zesty lemon twist.
Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls that complete any meal.
👉 Try one of these next for your next cozy baking session!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought applesauce?
A1: Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose unsweetened applesauce for best results.
Q2: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A2: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool, and frost it just before serving.
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, cozy, and full of warm spices, making it the perfect dessert for fall, holidays, or anytime you need a comforting treat. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this cake will quickly become a family favorite!
