Description
Deliciously moist Applesauce Cake flavored with warm spices and topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat, this cake combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with a soft, tender crumb and a luscious, spiced frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to blend the dry spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg thoroughly. Then add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and spreadable frosting texture.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. Slice into 9 servings and serve. Enjoy your moist, warmly spiced applesauce cake with deliciously creamy frosting!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting for smooth blending.
- You can substitute applesauce with mashed bananas for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To enhance the spice flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon in the cake or frosting to your preference.
