Description
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Blending the natural sweetness of applesauce with aromatic cinnamon and ground ginger, this cake is topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting infused with cinnamon. Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, making it a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Frosting Ingredients
- 5 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Butter an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger until evenly combined to ensure flavor distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and applesauce: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the applesauce until fully incorporated. At low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture and beat just until combined; avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently using a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick to spread, add a small amount of milk by the teaspoon until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost and decorate: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly on top. For an elegant touch, decorate the frosted cake with additional chopped pecans or walnuts.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
- You can substitute applesauce with unsweetened homemade or store-bought varieties for best flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans or replace with seeds like pumpkin seeds.
- To enhance spice flavor, feel free to increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and ginger to 3/4 teaspoon based on preference.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Applesauce cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, moist spice cake, nutty cake, easy baking recipe
