There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. It instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warmth of family and the promise of something delicious. She always made the best applesauce cake, moist, spiced perfectly, and topped with a cloud of creamy frosting. This recipe, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: A Slice of Autumn Bliss!, is my attempt to recreate that feeling—that cozy, comforting joy—and share it with you. It’s a slice of autumn in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, everyone loves cake! But this isn’t just any cake. This applesauce cake stands out for a few key reasons:
- It’s incredibly moist: Applesauce acts as a natural humectant, keeping the cake wonderfully moist for days. No dry cake here!
- It’s simple to make: Don’t let the beautiful finished product fool you. This cake is surprisingly easy to bake, even for beginner bakers.
- Packed with Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger create a beautiful, warming spice blend that complements the sweetness of the applesauce.
- The Cream Cheese Frosting is a Dream: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to another level of deliciousness. It’s tangy, sweet, and perfectly complements the spiced cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a festive gathering, this cake is always a winner.
Ingredients
Let’s gather what we need! Here’s a breakdown of everything for the cake and frosting.
For the Applesauce Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk (any kind works)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (very important!)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (sifting prevents lumps!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? It’s easier than you think!
Making the Applesauce Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also use baking spray with flour.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few small lumps are okay.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before frosting!
Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream the Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl (or using a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it spreadable but not runny.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level the Cake (Optional): If your cake has a rounded top, use a serrated knife to level it.
- Frost Away! Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cooled cake.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or chopped apples for a beautiful finishing touch.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Want to take your applesauce cake to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Apple Varieties: While unsweetened applesauce works perfectly, different apple varieties will subtly alter the flavor. Try using a blend for added complexity.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves for an even warmer, more aromatic spice blend.
- Nuts About It: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Apple Chunk Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of diced apples into the cake batter.
- Brown Butter Frosting: For a richer frosting, brown the butter before creaming it with the cream cheese.
- Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a cup of hot apple cider, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of granola for a bit of crunch!
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice)
Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 350-450
- Fat: 18-25g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 3-5g
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: A Slice of Autumn Bliss! is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling. It’s the comfort of home, the joy of baking, and the simple pleasure of a delicious treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize it to your liking. Happy baking!
