Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. This moist cake, infused with the rich flavors of applesauce and spices, is crowned with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a simple yet impressive dessert for friends and family, this cake will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The unsweetened applesauce keeps the cake juicy while adding natural sweetness.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip it up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, this cake fits right in.
• Rich Cinnamon Frosting: The creamy cinnamon frosting elevates the taste and adds a delightful finish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain or dressed up with nuts or extra cinnamon for added texture.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are vital for combining wet and dry ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: It makes beating the frosting easier and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly over the cake, ensuring each bite is delicious.

Ingredients

For this delightful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise.
• Baking Powder: Ensures fluffiness in texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth into the cake.
• Ground Nutmeg: Enhances spiciness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Maintains softness in every slice.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates overall flavor.

For the Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Forms a rich base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture.
• Butter: Adds creaminess to enhance texture.
• Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Gives a warm flavor boost.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan evenly spread it out using a spatula.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and ground cinnamon into your mixture while continuing to beat until fluffy.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

1. Once cooled completely, spread your cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
2. If desired, garnish with extra ground cinnamon or chopped walnuts for added texture.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for an enjoyable treat.

Enjoy your deliciously spiced Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. This moist cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and textures.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the cake’s spices perfectly.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Slices of apples or berries can add a fresh contrast to the rich frosting.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch and additional flavor.

Create Mini Portions

• Serve as mini cakes for a fun presentation at gatherings.

How to Perfect Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Applesauce Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips for a successful bake.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking ingredients, especially eggs and spices, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check doneness carefully: Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cool thoroughly before frosting: Letting the cake cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Applesauce Cake.

1. Vanilla Yogurt: A smooth and creamy yogurt adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and complements the spices in the cake.
3. Warm Spiced Cider: This cozy drink echoes the flavors of fall, making it an ideal pairing.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over slices for an extra indulgent treat.
5. Cheese Platter: Mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can create an interesting flavor balance.
6. Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea resonate beautifully with the cinnamon in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using Sweetened Applesauce: Sweetened applesauce can make the cake overly sweet. Always opt for unsweetened applesauce to maintain balance.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect the texture of the cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting for best results.
• Overmixing Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose if you’re unsure.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.

How do I modify the recipe for allergies?

To make it allergy-friendly, consider using gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Is this Applesauce Cake suitable for freezing?

Yes! This Applesauce Cake freezes well when wrapped tightly. Just remember to thaw it properly before serving.

How long does the cinnamon cream cheese frosting last?

The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or customized with nuts or dried fruits, this cake is sure to please everyone. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore your own variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, a moist and spiced dessert perfect for any gathering. Infused with the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce and aromatic spices, this cake is an ideal treat for fall festivities or cozy evenings at home. Topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, each slice offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether served plain or with added garnishes like nuts or fresh fruit, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike!

---

Ingredients

• Unsweetened applesauce
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon; mix until fluffy.
6. Spread frosting over cooled cake and garnish with extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg