Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If ever there was a dessert that embodies the spirit of cozy gatherings and nostalgic flavors, it’s Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful treat blends the moist, tender crumb of old-fashioned applesauce cake with a lusciously spiced and tangy cream cheese frosting, all topped off with an irresistibly warm aroma of cinnamon. Whether you’re sharing this cake at a family celebration or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, you’ll find comfort and happiness in every generous slice of this irresistible favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting plays an important role, and when they come together, magic happens. You’ll love how these classic baking staples create a cake that is moist, flavorful, and beautifully spiced from the very first bite.

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides natural sweetness and makes the cake moist without being heavy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure so it holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes that complement the applesauce and spices.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that give the cake its signature “fall” flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while making the cake rich and cohesive.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender crumb and keeps the cake moist for days.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
• Cream Cheese: The tangy, creamy base for that unforgettable cinnamon frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it perfectly smooth.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps make the frosting ultra creamy.
• Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Infuses the cream cheese frosting with delicious warmth and a hint of spice.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg for even distribution of the dry ingredients. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet, mixing just until everything is incorporated. This gentle folding ensures a light, tender cake crumb.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When ready, set the cake aside and allow it to cool completely in the pan so the frosting doesn’t melt or slip off later.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

For that dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, soft butter, and vanilla together until completely smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well after each addition. You’re aiming for a thick, spreadable frosting that holds soft peaks and smells like pure heaven.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is fully cool, use a spatula to spread the frosting generously and evenly over the top. You can swirl the surface for a rustic look, or smooth it out for a more classic finish. Optionally, sprinkle over a little extra cinnamon or some chopped walnuts for visual flair and an extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slice your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into generous squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature, or slightly chilled for a firm, creamy bite. Every forkful is layered with spice, sweetness, and tangy cream cheese, making it a memorable treat from the very first taste.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

You can never go wrong by sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon on top of your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. For added crunch and a nutty contrast, scatter chopped walnuts, toasted pecans, or even candied ginger across the frosting. Feeling festive? Diced apple or thin apple slices arranged artfully on each piece look beautiful and play up the fall flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a cold glass of milk or a piping hot mug of spiced chai for the ultimate cozy experience. If you’re serving it for brunch, try adding a fruit salad tossed with honey and a pinch of cinnamon on the side, or offer scoops of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into cute bite-sized cubes and serve them on a platter as petit fours. Layer cubes of cake and frosting in clear glasses for easy-to-eat parfaits, or stack slices with a little extra frosting in between for a dramatic, bakery-worthy presentation. Individual cupcake versions are also a hit for parties or bake sales!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps exceptionally well. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The moist cake and thick frostings ensure it will stay flavorful and tender for up to four days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time, you can bake the cake, cool it completely, and freeze it (unfrosted) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving for best results. Even frosted slices freeze well; just separate them with parchment and store in a sealed container.

Reheating

While this cake is delicious straight from the fridge, you can gently bring individual pieces to room temperature for an hour before serving if you prefer a softer crumb. If you’d like your frosting a touch creamier, let it sit out for several minutes or microwave a single frosted piece for 5–10 seconds—just enough to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce if that’s what you have on hand, but you might want to slightly reduce the brown sugar in the recipe to avoid making your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting overly sweet.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute an equal amount of melted coconut oil or a mild olive oil for the vegetable oil. Unsalted melted butter will work as well, giving your cake a richer flavor profile.

Can this cake be made gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for 1:1 substitution. The cake will still turn out moist, flavorful, and beautifully tender.

How do I know when my cake is fully baked?

Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few small crumbs. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes—the top should spring back lightly when touched.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Definitely! Divide the batter evenly into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cool, frost each cupcake with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting for irresistible handheld treats.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting—every bite brings together comfort, nostalgia, and a little bit of celebration. If you haven’t tried this easy, heartwarming cake before, I hope this recipe tempts you to bake up a pan and share it with your favorite people. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new tradition in your kitchen!

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