Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If fall had a flavor, it would taste just like this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine a moist, spiced cake brimming with cozy apple flavor, crowned by a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting dusted with cinnamon. This recipe feels like a hug in cake form—a sweet treat that brings together the simple joys of baking with fridge and pantry staples. Whether you’re celebrating a cozy get-together, looking for that perfect afternoon snack, or just want to fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples, this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is destined to become your new favorite comfort bake.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to create such a luxurious cake with a handful of classic ingredients. Each one brings something special, from warmth and depth to irresistible texture and color. Get ready to transform these essentials into something truly spectacular!

• All-purpose flour: This forms the structure of the cake, giving it the perfect soft and tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Ensures a gentle rise, keeping the cake light and fluffy rather than dense.
• Ground cinnamon: The spice that infuses the entire cake and frosting with inviting warmth.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and earthiness, complementing the applesauce beautifully.
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch brings a subtle, sweet-spicy edge that rounds out the flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other spices.
• Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Softened butter adds richness and ensures a moist, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Brown sugar: Delivers natural caramelly sweetness and helps keep the cake supremely moist.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and give the cake its structure and lightness.
• Vanilla extract (for both cake and frosting): Rounds out all the flavors with a hint of sweet floral aroma.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient brings big apple flavor, tons of moisture, and a subtle tang.
• Cream cheese (for frosting): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and temptingly tangy.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting while creating that perfect creamy texture.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Taking a moment now ensures your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting releases beautifully when it’s done baking, without any sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step not only combines everything but also fluffs up the flour, helping keep the cake tender and preventing any spice “clumps” in the final bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This can take 2-3 minutes of beating, but don’t rush—creaminess now means your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly soft later!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract. This gives your batter rich flavor and ensures it’s beautifully smooth before adding the star ingredient.

Step 5: Incorporate the Applesauce

Stir in the applesauce, letting its natural sweetness mingle with all those cozy spices. This step adds unbeatable moisture and a burst of fresh apple flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Be gentle—you want everything unified but not overworked, which keeps your cake light and tender.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before starting the frosting!

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and lump-free. Add the vanilla and cinnamon, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar. Your frosting should be thick yet spreadable, light and fluffy with an irresistible cinnamon aroma.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is fully cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. This is where the magic of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting comes together, so don’t skimp!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a simple yet spectacular finish, try a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting. A scatter of chopped toasted walnuts or a few thin apple slices also look gorgeous and add a little crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

While Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting absolutely shines on its own, you can’t go wrong teaming it up with a hot mug of coffee or chai tea. For gatherings, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt on the side for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn each slice into an elegant dessert by topping with a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can even slice the cake into little squares and serve them as bite-sized treats on a platter, transforming your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into irresistible party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any cake left (which is a big “if”), just cover and store in the fridge for up to four days. The cream cheese frosting keeps everything moist, and the flavors deepen and get even cozier as it sits.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic and then foil, or the whole cake (frosted or unfrosted). Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, and the cake stays fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, simply let a slice sit at room temperature for twenty minutes or pop it in the microwave on a low setting for about ten seconds. The cream cheese frosting softens beautifully and you get that oven-fresh comfort all over again.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind it will boost the sweetness of the cake a bit. If you opt for sweetened applesauce, consider reducing the brown sugar slightly to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just bake the batter in lined muffin tins for 18–22 minutes, watching closely for doneness. The Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is just as delightful in cupcake form and perfect for parties or school lunches.

How do I make the cake dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The cake will still turn out moist and flavorful with all that spiced apple goodness.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts or raisins right before baking. Both add terrific flavor and texture, making your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting even more irresistible.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated after frosting?

Yes, because of the cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to keep the cake covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a slice of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting with friends and family. It’s a classic with a twist—a cake that tastes like home, warms your kitchen, and makes every occasion a bit more special. If you haven’t tried it yet, treat yourself! Once you taste that perfect blend of spiced apple cake and swoon-worthy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Print