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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Patricia
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

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.