Description

This easy homemade applesauce cake is moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion and comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/3 cup raisins (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
In another bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk again. Stir in applesauce until fully incorporated.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in batches, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in nuts and/or raisins if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cake completely in the pan on a cooling rack (at least 45 minutes).
For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Spread frosting over cooled cake with an offset spatula. Sprinkle extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top if desired.
Slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use unsweetened applesauce for best flavor and moisture. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For nut-free, omit nuts or use seeds. Frost only when cake is fully cool to prevent melting. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; unfrosted cake freezes well for 2 months. Add grated apple, pear, or dried fruit for seasonal variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 220
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 46
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, homemade cake, fall baking, moist cake, comfort food, nut-free option, gluten-free adaptation, kid-friendly