Introduction

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any season. The warm spices blend beautifully with the applesauce, while the creamy cinnamon frosting adds a luscious finish.

A slice of carrot cake with two layers is shown on a white plate; the bottom layer is a light brown, moist cake with visible small pieces of carrot and nuts, while the top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting. On top sits a thin, curly dried apple slice with reddish edges, adding a decorative touch. In the background, slightly blurred, another slice and the remaining cake on a white plate sit on a white marbled surface. A metal fork lies beside the cake slice on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups applesauce (unsweetened, all-natural)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely.
Step 6: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Scrape down the bowl and beaters as needed.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the fully cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake because of the cream cheese frosting before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a different texture.
Use homemade applesauce for a fresher, more intense apple flavor.
If you prefer, swap the cream cheese frosting with a simple cinnamon glaze for a lighter topping.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture, or warm slices slightly in the microwave.

How to Serve

A slice of moist, brown cake with visible small chunks inside forms the bottom layer, topped by a smooth, thick, creamy white frosting layer. On top of the frosting, a single, thin, ruffled dried apple slice with a red edge decorates the cake. The slice sits on a white plate with a fork beside it, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, more slices of the same cake are partially visible on white plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts or pecans entirely. The cake will still be moist and delicious without them.

Is it possible to freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then frost before serving.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices, making it an ideal treat for fall or any cozy occasion.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

2 cups applesauce (unsweetened, all-natural)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly.
Combine Mixtures and Add Nuts: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or have a few moist crumbs attached. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract on medium speed until light, fluffy, and smooth. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed to ensure smooth frosting.
Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the fully cooled cake. Because of the cream cheese in the frosting, refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to keep it fresh and safe.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
You can substitute walnuts or pecans depending on preference or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
For a slightly healthier twist, use apple cider instead of vegetable oil and reduce sugar by ¼ cup if desired.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
This cake is perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or as a cozy dessert any time of the year.

Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, moist cake, spiced dessert, fall desserts