This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a quintessential cozy dessert. It is prized for its dense, moist texture and the warm, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Ingredients
The Cake:
2 cups All-purpose flour
1 ½ cups Unsweetened applesauce (provides moisture and natural sweetness)
1 cup Granulated sugar
½ cup Unsalted butter, melted
2 Large eggs
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
½ tsp Ground nutmeg and allspice
½ cup Chopped walnuts or raisins (optional for texture)
The Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz Cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp Unsalted butter, softened
2 cups Powdered sugar
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Why You’ll Love It
Incredible Longevity: Thanks to the applesauce, this cake stays moist for days, often tasting even better the next morning.
Warm Spice Profile: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg in both the cake and the frosting creates a deep, comforting flavor.
The Frosting Texture: Unlike stiff buttercreams, this cream cheese frosting is slightly tangy and silky, melting into the warm cake layers.
How to Make It
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and applesauce.
Mix & Bake: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Pour into a greased 9×9 inch square pan and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes.
Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, whip the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread a thick, swirling layer over the top of the cake.
Finish: Dust with an extra pinch of cinnamon for that bakery-style look.
