Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Absolutely! Here’s a moist, warmly spiced Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting — a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make but packed with flavor. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you have applesauce to use up!

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🍎 Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients (for a 9×13 cake or two 8-inch rounds)

🍰 For the Applesauce Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

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🧁 For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2½–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tsp milk or cream (only if needed for consistency)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and applesauce. Mix well.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in nuts and/or raisins if using.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes (9×13) or 28–32 minutes (8-inch rounds), until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Cool completely before frosting.

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2. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually, then cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.

3. Beat until fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.

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3. Assemble & Serve:

• Frost cooled cake generously.

• Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or apple slices if desired.

• Slice and enjoy!

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🍏 Tips:

• Moisture matters: Unsweetened applesauce works best, but sweetened is fine—just reduce added sugar slightly.

• Want cupcakes? Bake in a lined muffin tin for 18–20 minutes.

• Make ahead: Cake can be baked and stored (unfrosted) for up to 2 days. Frosting keeps refrigerated for 3–5 days.

Would you like a gluten-free, vegan, or reduced-sugar variation?