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
Scale
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.
