Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

An Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect combination of tender, spiced cake topped with a creamy, flavorful frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The use of applesauce in the cake makes it moist and flavorful, while the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a rich, spiced sweetness that perfectly complements the cake’s texture. This delightful dessert is ideal for family gatherings, fall celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making this scrumptious cake, from the ingredients and directions to helpful tips and FAQs. By the end, you’ll be equipped to create your own Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and wow your friends and family with your baking skills!

Ingredients for Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

To make this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Applesauce Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure that the cake will come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly combined and that the cake will rise properly.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture, helping to bind the ingredients together.

Step 5: Incorporate Applesauce and Vanilla Extract

Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stir gently until everything is incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so be sure to check the cake around the 30-minute mark.

Step 8: Let the Cake Cool

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the frosting will not melt when spread onto the cake.

Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake for a smooth and even finish.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to be served! Slice the cake into 12 pieces and enjoy this delicious dessert with friends and family.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12

Calories Per Serving

Each serving of this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting contains approximately 300-350 kcal, depending on the exact portion size and ingredients used.

Tips for Making the Perfect Applesauce Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps to create a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix the ingredients just until combined, and avoid stirring vigorously.
3. Make It Healthier: If you’d like to make the cake a bit healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar slightly for a less sweet cake.
4. Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the cake batter. These additions pair wonderfully with the applesauce and cinnamon flavor.
5. Chill the Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, you can chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before spreading it on the cake. This will make it easier to work with.

Benefits of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Rich in Fiber: The applesauce in this cake provides dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
2. Antioxidant-Rich Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla are all rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and inflammation.
3. Moist and Tender Texture: Applesauce not only adds flavor but also helps keep the cake moist, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
4. Balanced Sweetness: The combination of applesauce and cinnamon gives the cake a natural sweetness, so you don’t need to load it up with sugar.

Conclusion

Making an Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is an easy and rewarding baking project that will fill your kitchen with warm, delicious aromas. This moist, spiced cake topped with rich frosting is sure to become a favorite for any dessert table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is bound to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create the perfect Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, and enjoy the delicious results!

FAQs