When I first made this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, it instantly became one of my favorite comfort desserts. I remember a chilly autumn evening when I wanted something warm, cozy, and easy to bake. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, and the soft, moist texture of the cake made everyone smile. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients like applesauce and spices can transform into such a comforting treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this applesauce cake because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of applesauce and brown sugar keeps the cake perfectly moist, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy dessert. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is rich, smooth, and adds a touch of indulgence without being overly sweet.
Versatile
This cake is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as a simple dessert for family gatherings, pack it for school or work snacks, or even turn it into a layered treat for special occasions. You can also adjust the frosting sweetness or spice levels to match your taste, making it a recipe that works for everyone. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a warm chai latte, adding to its cozy charm.
Budget-Friendly
Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. Most ingredients, like flour, applesauce, and spices, are pantry staples, so you don’t need to spend a lot to create a cake that tastes bakery-level delicious. Even with the cream cheese frosting, the cost remains reasonable, making it perfect for weekday baking or weekend treats without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
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Unsweetened Applesauce
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All-Purpose Flour
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Brown Sugar
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Baking Soda and Baking Powder
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Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg
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Eggs
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Vegetable Oil
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Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
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Cream Cheese
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Powdered Sugar
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Butter
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Ground Cinnamon (for frosting)
With these simple, everyday ingredients, you can create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Every bite is soft, sweet, and spiced to perfection, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level of indulgence. This is the kind of cake that everyone asks for seconds, and it’s guaranteed to make any occasion feel special.
How to Make This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
I love how quickly this cake comes together, yet it feels like a special treat every time. The process is simple, and with a few easy steps, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Cake
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Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan using a small amount of vegetable oil or butter. Lining the pan with parchment paper is optional but ensures your cake will release easily after baking. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (alcohol-free). Beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. This combination of applesauce and oil keeps the cake moist and tender. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This blend of spices gives the cake its warm, comforting flavor. -
Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth, slightly thick, and evenly spiced. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Cooling prevents the frosting from melting and keeps it smooth.
Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened) with ½ cup of butter. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. -
Add Powdered Sugar and Cinnamon
Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat continuously until the frosting is fluffy and holds its shape. The cinnamon enhances the flavor and complements the spiced cake perfectly. -
Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Smooth it carefully for an even layer. If desired, sprinkle extra cinnamon or finely chopped walnuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
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Make the frosting while the cake cools to save time.
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Cut the cake into even squares for a professional look.
Customizable Variations
This recipe is versatile. You can add ½ cup of raisins or chopped apples to the batter for extra texture. For a nutty flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Qualities
This applesauce cake is perfect for gatherings. Its moist texture and warm, spiced flavor appeal to all ages. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled, and watch it disappear quickly. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
FAQs About Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.
2. Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
You can, but reduce the brown sugar slightly to prevent the cake from being too sweet. Sweetened applesauce will add extra moisture and flavor.
3. How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted slices for up to 3 months and frost them after thawing.
4. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the cinnamon cream cheese frosting a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick beat before spreading it on the cake.
5. Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Yes. You can fold in chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded apples for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger into the batter for extra warmth.
6. Can I make this cake in smaller pans or as cupcakes?
Yes, this batter works well in 9-inch round pans or lined muffin tins. Adjust the baking time: 20–25 minutes for cupcakes and 30–35 minutes for smaller pans.
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, spiced dessert perfect for fall or cozy evenings. The soft cake pairs beautifully with a creamy cinnamon frosting, making it a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup unsweetened applesauce
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
For the Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract (alcohol-free). Beat until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until fully combined.
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Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
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In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating until fluffy.
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Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
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Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
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Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing.
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The cake can be customized with raisins, chopped apples, or nuts.
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Frosting can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes