If you love warm spices and moist, comforting cakes, then this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. It’s the perfect balance of tender applesauce-infused cake paired with a luscious, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese frosting that feels just like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Every bite brings out the gentle sweetness of apples combined with the spice warmth, making it ideal for a weeknight family dessert or a festive treat. This cake is simple to make but packs serious flavor and texture that will make it your new favorite to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a rich, flavorful, and moist dessert. From the fragrant spices to the creamy frosting, these essentials come together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy texture and perfect rise.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- Apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice: Brings warmth and that signature fall-inspired flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a fragrant, sweet-spicy depth throughout the cake and frosting.
- Vegetable oil (or canola or melted coconut oil): Keeps the cake moist and luscious without heaviness.
- Water: Helps to blend the ingredients and keep things tender.
- Applesauce: The star ingredient that makes this apple cake so naturally sweet and soft.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The perfect duo for sweetness and a subtle molasses note.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, familiar flavor that complements the spices.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base for the decadent frosting.
- Unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading perfection.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch cake pan. This simple prep step ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly—a small step for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, apple pie or pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This combination builds the foundation of flavors and ensures a perfect, spice-infused crumb.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, water, applesauce, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla extract. This mixture is where moist meets sweet, creating the tender base of the cake.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay, and this helps keep the cake nice and tender.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and tap it a few times on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. Increase the speed and beat for an additional 20 to 30 seconds for a fluffy, dreamy frosting.
Step 7: Frost the Cooled Cake
Spread the luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an inviting touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top by mixing a tablespoon of sugar with a few dashes of cinnamon. This adds a slight crunch and extra spice burst.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A lovely way to brighten and add texture to this cake is by topping it with chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon also bring a beautiful, homey touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A cup of hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the warm spices perfectly, making any moment special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your applesauce cake into neat squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for an inviting presentation. You could also turn it into a trifle layered with whipped cream and spiced applesauce or use it as cupcakes topped with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover applesauce cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting and cake stay fresh for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy this deliciousness later without any loss in quality.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the unfrosted cake by wrapping it well in plastic and aluminum foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
For a warm slice, gently reheat single portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid warming the frosted cake so the frosting remains creamy and intact. The slight warmth brings out the comforting spices even more.
FAQs
Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds a fresh, personal touch and can make your cake taste even more vibrant. Just be sure it’s unsweetened or adjust the sugars slightly if your applesauce is sweetened.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice? Can I substitute something else?
You can easily substitute the apple pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. If you prefer, pumpkin pie spice is a perfect alternative and complements the apples beautifully.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese frosting? Can I use plain buttercream?
The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the cake’s warm spices and moist crumb. While you can use plain buttercream, the cream cheese version truly elevates the flavor and texture for this specific cake.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Look for a cake that springs back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates the cake is done without drying it out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make this applesauce cake gluten-free. Just be sure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and sweetness all in one delightful bite. It’s wonderfully easy to make, and the flavors feel like a cozy celebration every time you serve it. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I have.
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Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a spiced, fruit-infused treat. The cake is tender thanks to the applesauce and enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and apple pie spice. Topped with a rich, creamy cinnamon-spiked cream cheese frosting, this cake is an irresistible combination of sweet and spice that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
- â…“ cup water
- 1½ cups applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan and set it aside for later use.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, apple pie spice, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable or coconut oil, water, applesauce, eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake for 20-30 minutes, starting to check at 20 minutes; the cake is done when it springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and spices: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Finish frosting: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for an additional 20-30 seconds to make the frosting light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the cooled cake evenly with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Optionally, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon sugar mixed with a few dashes of cinnamon) for extra flavor and a pretty finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing to achieve a smooth frosting without lumps.
- You can substitute applesauce with homemade unsweetened applesauce if desired for a fresher taste.
- To make the cake dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese and butter alternative in the frosting.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake texture tender and moist.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it slightly.
- The cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
