If you are craving a dessert that is both wonderfully moist and bursting with warm, spicy flavors, then you will absolutely adore this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, combining the natural sweetness of applesauce with the perfect blend of spices, all topped off with a luxuriously smooth cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This cake is a personal favorite that effortlessly balances comfort and elegance, making it ideal for everything from casual family dinners to festive occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients sets the foundation for this recipe’s incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role, from the tender crumb delivered by the all-purpose flour to the warm depth added by the spices.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake tender and soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and maintain a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for optimal leavening.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a classic spice note that complements applesauce perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle warmth and nutty sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a hint of aromatic depth to round out the spices.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Enriches the cake with creamy moisture and richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle, sweet aroma.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Base for the frosting, lending smooth tanginess.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the frosting texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with rich, warm flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the frosting a delightful spicy kick that ties everything together.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour an 8 by 8-inch baking dish so the cake won’t stick and will release cleanly once baked. Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix will spread those heartwarming aromas throughout your cake and provide perfect seasoning balance.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—that’s when you know it’s ready! Incorporate the egg thoroughly, then mix in the unsweetened applesauce along with the vanilla extract. This combination brings moisture and sweetness to the batter, making the crumb soft and tender.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake tender. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, leveling the top for an even bake. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Cooling the cake completely is essential before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced. This frosting will add just the right amount of sweetness and a velvety texture that complements the apple-infused cake beautifully.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake has fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. Slice into squares and serve up a piece of this delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert. Every bite bursts with sweetness, spice, and a rich frosting finish that will keep you coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted cake. Adding a few thin apple slices or chopped walnuts on top can introduce a lovely crunch and fresh element. Garnishes like these not only add to aesthetics but invite fascinating textures that excite the palate.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. If you want a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of chai tea with its own cinnamon notes complements the cake’s flavor kaleidoscope beautifully, making it a perfect cozy afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, consider turning this into a layered dessert by slicing the cake horizontally and spreading frosting between layers for an elegant look. Alternatively, cut into small squares and serve as bite-sized cake pops for a fun twist. Hosting brunch? Pair with spiced lattes to complete your comforting applesauce cake experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover applesauce cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week if you want it to last longer—the frosting stays creamy and the cake remains moist.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully without losing its tender texture. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil before freezing for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then frost as usual for perfectly fresh flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Reheating enhances the spices and softens the cake, making the frosting even more luscious. Just be careful not to overheat, so the frosting doesn’t melt completely.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. For best results, consider using a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain tenderness.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened applesauce?
Using unsweetened applesauce allows you to control the sweetness in the cake precisely since the recipe already calls for sugar. Sweetened applesauce may make the cake overly sugary, so unsweetened is ideal.
Can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute a gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour in equal amounts, but make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have ground cloves?
If you don’t have cloves on hand, you can simply omit them or replace with a tiny pinch of ground allspice. The cake will still be wonderfully spiced and flavorful.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives. They work well in this cinnamon cream cheese frosting, though the flavor might differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking it for a family get-together or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, it brings warmth and joy to any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s one of those timeless cakes that feels like home in every bite.
