Spiced Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Spiced Applesauce Cake topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is moist, tender, and bursting with warm spices that pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce (all-natural)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices gives the cake its signature warmth.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also enhances the cake’s flavor.

4. Incorporate the Dry Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake dense. If using nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, cool the cake completely on a wire rack.

6. Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced cake, making each bite irresistible.

8. Store and Serve

Since the frosting contains cream cheese, store the cake in the refrigerator. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 420 per serving
• Servings: 12

This Spiced Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting, spiced treat.