Introduction:
When you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect choice. This moist, spiced cake combined with the rich cream cheese frosting brings a delightful burst of flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, including detailed instructions, ingredient substitutions, and ideas for making the recipe keto-friendly and low-carb. Plus, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this moist and flavorful applesauce cake. It’s a simple cake that requires ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
For the Applesauce Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can substitute with Stevia or another sugar substitute for a low-carb version)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but they add a lovely crunch and flavor)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for low-carb, use powdered erythritol or another sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started on making the delicious applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Applesauce Cake
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish. If you prefer, you can line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These spices will infuse the cake with that comforting, warm aroma. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mix together the applesauce, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce not only gives the cake moisture but also adds a subtle, natural sweetness. - Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. - Fold in Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the batter. The nuts add texture and a nice crunch to the soft cake. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes if using round cake pans or about 40-45 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done. - Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you made a layered cake, place one layer on a serving plate and proceed with frosting.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, let’s prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. - Add Sugar and Cinnamon
Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. - Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake layer. If you’re making a layered cake, place the second layer on top and frost it. Add more frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. If you like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra touch of crunch.
Cooking Notes and Tips for Success
- Moisture Tip: Applesauce adds wonderful moisture to this cake. If you want to make it even more decadent, you can replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. This will make the cake lighter while retaining its moistness.
- Storage: After making this cake, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to a week if you prefer.
- Freezing: This applesauce cake freezes well. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost it just before serving.
Variations of Applesauce Cake
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different variations:
- Add-ins: You can incorporate raisins, chopped dried fruit, or shredded coconut into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Frosting Variations: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try replacing the cinnamon with nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a bit of cardamom for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can make a classic cream cheese frosting without the cinnamon.
- Cake Size: You can make this applesauce cake as a sheet cake, cupcakes, or even a layer cake. Adjust the baking time accordingly if you’re making cupcakes or a sheet cake.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions of Applesauce Cake
If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, don’t worry—you can still enjoy this applesauce cake with some modifications.
Low-Carb Applesauce Cake
To make a low-carb version of this cake, here’s what you need to change:
- Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a coconut flour blend. If using coconut flour, you’ll need to use less than the almond flour and may need to add extra moisture, such as more applesauce or egg.
- Sweetener: Swap out the granulated sugar for erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or Stevia. Ensure the sweetener is suitable for baking, and adjust the amount based on the brand you use.
- Frosting: For the frosting, replace the powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or another low-carb sweetener. This will keep your frosting creamy and sweet without the added carbs.
Keto Applesauce Cake
For a keto version, in addition to the low-carb modifications, consider the following:
- Applesauce: While applesauce is naturally sweet, it contains carbohydrates. For a more keto-friendly approach, use a smaller amount of applesauce and supplement with unsweetened apple extract for flavor.
- Frosting: Keto frosting can be made with cream cheese, butter, and a low-carb sweetener. You can also add a few drops of liquid stevia to taste.
By swapping out these ingredients, you’ll still be able to enjoy the flavors of applesauce cake without compromising your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the applesauce cake ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you’re making it more than a couple of days in advance.
Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar content in the cake.
Can I freeze the applesauce cake?
Yes, this cake freezes very well. After it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
What can I substitute for the walnuts in the recipe?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can leave them out entirely or replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds like sunflower seeds.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert
In conclusion, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a flavorful and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just a casual family meal, this cake is sure to be a hit.
With its warm spices, rich cream cheese frosting, and optional variations to suit different dietary needs, this cake has all the makings of a timeless favorite. Enjoy it as-is or explore the variations to make it your own. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this delicious, comforting treat!
