Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. The cake features warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the natural sweetness of applesauce, while the creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Applesauce Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce (unsweetened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for desired frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the cake’s sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- The nutmeg is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
