Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, nostalgic treat that will fill your kitchen with the scents of autumn, look no further than Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe delivers a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to a generous helping of applesauce, and gets a dreamy upgrade from a cloud of tangy, cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, this is a cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each one plays its part, bringing depth of flavor, perfect crumb, and irresistible creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and keeps the cake light and tender.
- Baking soda: Ensures a lovely, even rise and a soft crumb.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake and frosting with warmth and spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy note that pairs beautifully with applesauce.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cake richness and helps the frosting whip up creamy and smooth.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor to every bite.
- Large egg: Binds the batter together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with sweet, aromatic notes in both cake and frosting.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The secret to the cake’s moistness, plus a gentle apple flavor that shines through.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of a tangy, luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky texture.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just a touch sharpens and brightens the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan to make sure your cake releases easily after baking. A little parchment paper on the bottom can also make life even easier when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so every slice gets a perfect mix of flavor and rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for aerating the batter and creating a tender crumb. Don’t rush it—the fluffier, the better!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg brings the ingredients together, while the vanilla starts building up the cake’s delicious aroma.
Step 5: Mix in the Applesauce
Add the unsweetened applesauce to your wet mixture, mixing until everything is smooth and uniform. The applesauce not only adds a gentle apple flavor but also keeps the cake moist for days.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so go easy here. If you’re adding chopped walnuts or raisins, gently fold them in now.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This patience ensures the frosting glides on smoothly without melting or sliding off.
Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and airy. The cinnamon adds a cozy note that pairs perfectly with the cake’s apple spice.
Step 10: Frost and Finish
Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Take your time and enjoy this step—it’s where the magic of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting truly comes together!
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the top, or scatter on some chopped toasted walnuts or a handful of raisins. A drizzle of caramel sauce can take it over the top if you’re feeling indulgent, while thin apple slices arranged artfully can add a fresh, crisp note.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced tea. For a dessert spread, pair it with roasted autumn fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving it for brunch, a fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt on the side make it feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a party platter, or serve generous slices on vintage plates for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, use cookie cutters to shape the cake into hearts or leaves before frosting. You can even layer cubes of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in parfait glasses with whipped cream and diced apples for a stunning trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, and the cake stays wonderfully moist—if you can resist finishing it sooner!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, even with the frosting. Cut it into individual slices, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, homemade treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating
While Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is delicious cold, a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds brings back that just-baked warmth. If you plan to reheat, let the cake come to room temperature so the frosting softens a bit and stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely, though you may want to slightly reduce the brown sugar to balance the sweetness. Unsweetened applesauce gives you more control over the cake’s flavor, but the recipe is flexible!
Can I bake this as cupcakes instead?
Yes! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for adorable individual treats.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re out of cream cheese, try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will change, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or an equivalent binding agent for the best texture.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Of course! Chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or even mini chocolate chips are wonderful additions that bring new texture and flavor to your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a homemade Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to whenever you’re craving a cake that’s simple, spiced, and irresistibly moist. Happy baking!
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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall. The cake combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of applesauce, while the creamy cinnamon-infused frosting adds a rich, tangy finish. Easy to bake and delightful to serve, it’s an ideal treat for family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Applesauce: Mix in the unsweetened applesauce until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
Notes
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
