There’s something so comforting about the warm, spiced flavors of an Applesauce Cake. This classic dessert is moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with a rich Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Whether it’s fall, a holiday gathering, or a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is a treat that feels like a warm hug.
I love how simple this recipe is, yet it delivers such incredible flavor. The applesauce keeps the cake tender and moist, while the spices add depth and warmth. The creamy, cinnamon-spiked frosting takes it to the next level. It’s a dessert that’s easy enough for any day but special enough for celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender: Applesauce ensures a soft texture every time.
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make this cake flavorful and comforting.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a show-stopping dessert.
- Decadent frosting: Creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced cake.
- Versatile: Great for fall, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting dessert.
Recipe: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this cake with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
- Storage: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing Option: Freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and serve.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost it on the day of serving for maximum freshness.
Helpful Notes
- Add Texture: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Enhanced Spice: For a bolder flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a pinch of allspice.
- Clean Slices: Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, neat portions.
- Double the Recipe: For a layer cake, double the ingredients and bake in two 9-inch round pans.
- Frosting Variations: Swap cinnamon with maple syrup or almond extract for a unique twist on the cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the sugar in the batter by 2–3 tablespoons to balance the sweetness. - What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
Substitute with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture, or make a simple buttercream frosting. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an easy substitution. - Do I have to use a 9x13-inch pan?
No, you can use a bundt pan or two 9-inch round pans instead. Adjust the baking time slightly and test for doneness. - How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate comfort dessert. Its warm spices, moist texture, and luscious frosting make it a hit for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. I love how easy it is to make, and the aroma of cinnamon and cloves while it bakes fills the kitchen with pure joy.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with a cup of coffee, or as the centerpiece of a dessert table, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a classic worth keeping. Happy baking!
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk optional, for desired consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost the Cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Add Texture: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Enhanced Spice: For a bolder flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a pinch of allspice.
- Clean Slices: Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, neat portions.
- Double the Recipe: For a layer cake, double the ingredients and bake in two 9-inch round pans.
- Frosting Variations: Swap cinnamon with maple syrup or almond extract for a unique twist on the cream cheese frosting.
