When fall settles in we reach for cozy flavors that wrap us in comfort and warmth. This recipe for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting delivers a soft crumb that holds the sweet tang of applesauce in every bite. I keep thinking about how simple it is to whip up while the kids finish homework at the table.
There are no fancy moves here just a quick sauté of apples if you like extra texture or stir in the lead vegetable of shredded carrot for an added wink of color. You can even broil finish on the frosting to get a slightly toasted top if you want a little crunch.
Less than an hour and you have a dessert that feels like a hug. The pantry staples come together in one bowl so you can chat with the family while stirring. I love how the cinnamon cream cheese frosting melts into the warm cake just a bit when you torte it open for more filling.
Grab that mixing bowl and let the aroma lure you in. No fuss no fancy tools just a simple cake that tastes like a moment taken back in time. This is applesauce cake in its most delightful form and it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Why Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Wins Hearts
- Rich Cozy Flavor The applesauce adds moisture without extra oil or butter and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting brings a gentle tang that feels like a gentle hug around your senses.
- One Bowl Wonder You toss most ingredients in a single bowl so clean up is quick and you get to enjoy more time with family.
- Versatile Add Ins Feeling nutty Add some chopped walnuts or pecans before you bake then broil finish for a toasty top or stir in raisins for a chewy surprise.
- Family Friendly Even picky eaters love the soft crumb and spice combo so you can sneak in a little extra fruit if you like without complaints.
- Pantry Staples You probably have all these in the kitchen now so you can bake at the drop of a hat when the craving hits.
Gather Your Cast of Ingredients
- All purpose flour One and a half cups to give the cake structure and hold that applesauce in place for a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar One cup for sweetness that balances the tang from the applesauce and cream cheese.
- Baking powder and baking soda A teaspoon of the first and half a teaspoon of the second to help the cake rise evenly without any tough spots.
- Ground cinnamon Two teaspoons to layer that warm fall spice throughout every bite of this applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Applesauce One cup of unsweetened applesauce as the lead ingredient for moisture and that true apple flavor without chunks unless you want them from a quick sauté.
- Large eggs Two eggs to bind ingredients and add a little lift for a soft spongy crumb.
- Vegetable oil Half a cup to keep the cake moist day after day without a greasy feel.
- Cream cheese Eight ounces softened for the frosting that turns sweet and tangy when whipped with sugar and a dash of vanilla extract.
- Vanilla extract One teaspoon for depth of flavor both in the cake batter and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Powdered sugar Two cups sifted into the cream cheese to form a smooth luscious frosting that you can spread or pipe.
Step by Step Rush Plan to Bake in Under an Hour
- Preheat Oven Set your oven rack in the center and heat it to three fifty degrees now so you can slide the pan in once the batter is ready.
- Prep the Pan Grab a nine inch square or round pan and lightly coat with non stick spray or brush with a little oil then dust with flour for an easy release.
- Whisk Dry Mix In a medium bowl stir together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and cinnamon until there are no clumps and the color looks even.
- Combine Wet Mix In a larger bowl whisk eggs applesauce oil and vanilla until smooth then pour that mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Optional Quick Sauté If you want tender apple bites warm a small skillet over medium low heat add a pat of butter and gently cook chopped apples using a quick sauté method for two to three minutes then fold them into the batter.
- Fold in Carrot For extra color and texture treat shredded carrot as a lead vegetable and mix a half cup of it into the batter for a light veggie boost.
- Bake the Cake Pour batter into your prepared pan then smooth the top with a spatula gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles and slide it into the oven for twenty five to thirty minutes.
- Check for Doneness Insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs the cake is done and ready to cool for at least fifteen minutes.
- Make Frosting and Finish While cake cools whip cream cheese vanilla and powdered sugar until silky then spread frosting on top once cooled and optionally broil finish for one minute to toast the sugar edges.
Shortcut Corner for Busy Bakers
- Use Cupcake Liners Skip the oil and flour on the pan just line muffin pans with liners and bake individual portions in about twenty minutes.
- Store Bought Applesauce Grab a carton of unsweetened applesauce instead of making your own this saves you prep time and gives you more time to chat with family.
- Pre Shredded Carrot Buy pre shredded carrot in the produce aisle for that lead vegetable boost without grating at home.
- Blender Mix Toss all wet ingredients in the blender then add dry mix and pulse until just combined for ultra easy cleanup.
- Errand Day Bake Make the batter and leave it in the fridge while you run errands then bake when you get home for a super fresh taste.
That First Bite Moment
We cut the first slice while it is still slightly warm and the frosting is gently melting into the spongy crumb. The kids crowd around the counter giggling as they wait for their piece. The aroma of cinnamon drifts through the kitchen making everyone take a deep breath because it smells so good.
I remember pressing a fork into that soft cake and feeling the first bite slide across my tongue. The applesauce flavor bursts through and the frosting adds a bright tang that cuts the sweetness just right. It made me close my eyes for a second because it tasted so comforting.
There is something about that moment when you share a fresh bake with the people you love. You see smiles spread across their faces and hear little sighs of delight. It makes all the mixing and waiting worth it.
By the end of that first piece you know you have a new favorite that will earn a spot on your baking rotation for sure.
Sneaky Leftover Plan for Crumbs
Once the cake is sliced cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a lid so it does not dry out. You can keep it on the counter for two days or in the fridge for up to four days without losing much moisture.
If you warmed up a slice in the toaster oven you can re broil finish the top for ten to fifteen seconds to restore a bit of that freshly baked vibe. Just watch it so it does not burn.
Stale edges can be trimmed and turned into bread pudding or layered in parfait cups with yogurt and fruit for a quick breakfast. Those crumbly bits make excellent topping for ice cream as well.
Freeze individual slices in airtight bags for up to three months then thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter wrapped in a damp paper towel for soft results.
Leftover frosting keeps in a small sealed container for up to five days in the fridge and can be dolloped on pancakes muffins or waffles for a sweet tangy treat any morning.
Wrapping It Up and Your Questions Answered
There you have it a cozy comforting Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting that is simple enough for a weeknight treat and impressive enough for a special occasion. It uses pantry staples and a few clever shortcuts so you can spend less time mixing and more time enjoying.
From the quick sauté hint to the broil finish trick this recipe invites a little creativity without stress. You can adjust it for cupcakes or a loaf pan or even sneak in other fruits if you want. It is totally versatile.
Common Questions Families Ask
- Can I make this gluten free Yes swap the all purpose flour with a gluten free blend that measures cup for cup but be sure it has xanthan gum so the cake holds together.
- What if I do not have a broiler You can skip the broil finish simply frost as usual and serve it cold or at room temperature it is still delicious.
- How do I keep it from sticking Make sure your pan is well greased and dusted with flour or use spray with flour built in for easiest release.
- Can I add nuts Absolutely fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans when you add optional apples for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Is it freezer friendly Yes freeze sliced cake in bags for up to three months then thaw wrapped in a damp paper towel for soft moist results.
Enjoy your baking adventure and remember that the best desserts are the ones shared with those who matter most. Happy baking.
Applesauce Cake With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 sheet parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. If necessary, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.
