Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on classic spice cakes. Made with warm apple pie spices, wholesome applesauce, and a creamy cinnamon-infused frosting, it’s a perfect dessert for fall or any time you crave a comforting spice cake with a fresh fruity touch. The cake is easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness and spice beautifully.
Ingredients
Cake 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
- ½ cup vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup water
- 1½ cups applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 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 ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan thoroughly and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, apple pie or pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, water, applesauce, eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cake dense.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the countertop a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring an even bake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The cake’s top will spring back when touched lightly.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and set the pan on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until combined, then increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 20 to 30 seconds for a fluffy texture.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon sugar (made from 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with a few dashes of cinnamon) on top for extra flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Use natural unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option and to control sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The cake is best served at room temperature and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
