If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors and melts in your mouth, you’re going to love this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This tender, moist cake combines fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweet, natural moisture of applesauce, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. Topped with a luxuriously creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting, this cake feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor harmony, luscious texture, and beautiful aroma that makes this cake stand out.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake, ensuring it’s tender but holds together well.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise to a light and fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Spices that create the warm, inviting flavor profile essential for this autumn-inspired cake.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a smooth crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cake together while adding moisture.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Infuses natural sweetness and keeps the cake incredibly moist without needing extra oil.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting that brings creamy tanginess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that smooth texture.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and flour to ensure the cake won’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt — these dry ingredients are what build the flavorful foundation of your cake.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial to infuse air into the batter, making your cake lighter. Then, beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the applesauce and vanilla extract, blending everything together smoothly.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly so the batter is uniformly mixed without being overworked. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, set the cake aside to cool completely — this is key for the frosting to set perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until you reach a silky, smooth texture. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, along with vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, and continue beating the frosting until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once your cake is fully cooled, spread the divine cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice into squares and prepare to delight in every bite of this moist, spiced masterpiece.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake’s presentation, consider sprinkling a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts atop the frosting. A thin apple slice fan or a sprig of fresh mint can also add a pretty pop of color and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you prefer something lighter, a cup of hot herbal tea or fresh brewed coffee is the perfect partner to balance the sweetness with warm notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into rustic squares for a casual family dessert or into neat rectangles to impress guests at a brunch or holiday party. For an extra special touch, serve small slices alongside a fruit compote or spiced caramel drizzle for a sophisticated flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting keeps fresh for up to 4 days, and chilling actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
While this cake is usually best enjoyed fresh or chilled, if you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave a piece for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid heating too long as the frosting can melt and become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought unsweetened applesauce works perfectly and keeps the cake moist. Just be sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the right sweetness balance.
Is it possible to make this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Can I use different spices in the cake?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking — for example, adding a bit of ground ginger or allspice can add a new dimension of flavor, though the original combination is a tried-and-true favorite.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, and keep an eye on the cupcakes to avoid overbaking. Use the same frosting to top them once cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake’s moist texture and rich flavors are sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice — happy baking!
Print
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect autumn dessert. Made with a blend of warm spices and sweet applesauce, the cake is topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiked frosting that complements the spiced cake beautifully. Perfect for a cozy gathering or afternoon tea, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg thoroughly, then add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and evenly combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Slice into servings and serve. Enjoy your deliciously moist and spiced applesauce cake with creamy frosting!
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- You can substitute unsweetened apple sauce with homemade applesauce for a fresher flavor.
- For a nuttier variation, consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- This cake can be served as a dessert or a sweet snack alongside tea or coffee.
