Description
This moist, nostalgic applesauce cake is easy to make and topped with a dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for busy families, gatherings, or a comforting treat, it’s packed with warm spices and adaptable for various diets.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (360g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (80g) raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together oil and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in applesauce and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in raisins or walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and springy.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Chill frosting for 10-15 minutes if too soft.
- Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting generously over the top. Swirl with a spatula.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Let all ingredients come to room temperature for best results. Sift or whisk dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour and eggs as needed. Toss nuts or raisins in flour before adding to prevent sinking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, moist cake, comfort food, homemade cake, fall baking, kid-friendly, brunch, potluck, nut-free, gluten-free, vegan adaptation