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
Scale
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.
