Name: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups unsweetened or lightly sweetened applesauce; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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I love how this moist applesauce cake is perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore baking this applesauce cake because it’s quick to mix up and uses pantry staples. The applesauce keeps it incredibly moist, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, lightly spiced finish. It’s comforting, not overly sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Eggs
Applesauce (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
Vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until light. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in applesauce and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—don’t overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cinnamon and vanilla until creamy.
Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

I’ve found this recipe makes about 12–16 servings, depending on how large I slice it. From start to finish, it takes around 1 hour—15 minutes to prep, 30–35 minutes to bake, and 10–15 minutes for cooling before frosting.

Variations

I sometimes stir in ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.
For extra texture, I’ll mix in ½ cup raisins or diced apple.
A dash of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon adds deeper warmth.
To lighten it, I swap half the butter for Greek yogurt—still indulgent but slightly tangy.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers loosely covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I want to reheat a slice, I let it come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If I froze a slice (individually wrapped), I thaw it on the counter, then warm it slightly before serving—that really brings back the fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

How can I make this gluten-free?

I swap in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check that it has xanthan gum added. The cake turns out just as moist and satisfying.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes—I’ve substituted a neutral oil (vegetable or canola) cup-for-cup. The cake stays tender, though the flavor is slightly different without the butter richness.

Is it okay to use sweetened applesauce?

Absolutely. If I use a sweeter applesauce, I often reduce the granulated sugar by about 2 tablespoons to balance the sweetness.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes! I bake the cake and frost it a day before serving. I store it in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to bring out the creamy texture of the frosting.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too soft?

I always use cream cheese and butter straight from the fridge but mixed until smooth. If it gets soft, I pop the frosting-covered cake in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving—the frosting firms up nicely without hardening too much.

Conclusion

I truly enjoy making this applesauce cake because it’s simple, comforting, and adaptable. Its moist crumb and lightly spiced cream cheese frosting make it perfect for any season—whether I bake it for a casual family treat or an elegant gathering. Give it a try, and I think you’ll love keeping a slice nearby for whenever a cozy dessert craving strikes.