Delicious Applesauce Cake: A Perfect Blend of Spice and Sweetness

Name: Delicious Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486252H40M16S
Total time: PT-486252H40M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

Applesauce Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the moistness of applesauce with a medley of warm spices and a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a festive holiday celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result.

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake

This Applesauce Cake stands out for several reasons:

Moist Texture: The applesauce ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist and tender.
Spiced Flavor: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and comforting flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.

Ingredients for Applesauce Cake

To make this delectable cake, you’ll need the following 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. This will ensure that your cake comes out easily and remains intact.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The applesauce and oil provide moisture and richness to the cake.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this point. The nuts add a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the cake.

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 of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process is crucial for the frosting to set properly.

6. Prepare the Frosting

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together until light, fluffy, and smooth. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Continue beating until well combined, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.

8. Store the Cake

Due to the cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Leftovers can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents the frosting from becoming too soft.

Tips for the Perfect Applesauce Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before using. This helps them blend more easily and results in a smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 300 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 55 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 38 g
Protein: 4 g

FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use a different type of frosting if you prefer. Cream cheese frosting pairs well with the spiced flavor of the cake, but a simple vanilla or chocolate frosting would also work.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If the cake is frosted, it’s best to freeze it before applying the frosting and frost it after thawing.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with dairy-free alternatives. For the cake, use a dairy-free milk such as almond or soy milk, and ensure the applesauce is unsweetened and all-natural.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cake?

Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins like raisins, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips to the batter. Just be sure not to over-mix the batter to maintain the cake’s light texture.