Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

$- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The main star of this cake is the applesauce. It adds moisture and a natural sweetness. I love using unsweetened applesauce to keep the cake balanced. The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives it a rich flavor. - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For the frosting, softened cream cheese and butter mix well. The powdered sugar sweetens it just right. Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice that pairs perfectly with the cake. - Sprinkle of cinnamon - Thin slice of apple for garnish - Chopped nuts for added texture You can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for flair. A thin slice of apple makes a lovely garnish. Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and flavor. These extras can really elevate your cake. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt 3. In another bowl, combine: - 2 cups unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until everything is well blended. 1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. 2. Pour the batter into your prepared dish. Spread the batter evenly. 3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean. 4. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. 1. In a large bowl, beat together: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Beat until smooth and creamy. 2. Gradually add in 4 cups powdered sugar. Mix until fully combined. 3. Stir in: - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Continue mixing until the frosting is completely smooth. Once your cake cools, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Enjoy your delightful cake! - Use room temperature ingredients: Bring your eggs and cream cheese to room temp. This helps them mix well and makes a smoother batter. - Do not overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough. - Check for doneness using the toothpick method: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready! - Substitute half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture, making your cake softer and sweeter. - Add a dash of vanilla extract to the cake batter: This simple addition can boost the cake’s flavor profile. - Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened: Soft ingredients mix better. Leave them out for about 30 minutes before mixing. - Chill the frosting for a few minutes if too soft: If your frosting is runny, pop it in the fridge for a bit. This will help it firm up for spreading. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your applesauce cake. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, bring a nice crunch. They add texture and flavor. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries. This makes the cake sweeter and fruitier. Both options work well and make the cake more exciting! If you need a gluten-free cake, just swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This simple switch keeps the cake soft and tasty. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake, no matter their diet. You can change the flavor of your cake based on the season. For fall, try adding pumpkin spice. It gives a warm, cozy taste that matches the season. For a fresh twist, add freshly grated lemon zest. This brightens the cake and adds a pop of flavor. Each variation keeps the cake fun and interesting! To keep leftover cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the cake from drying out. The cake will stay fresh for about five days. For longer shelf life, you can freeze the un-frosted cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can enjoy it for up to three months. If you need to freeze the frosting, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to label it with the date, so you know when to use it. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake again, reheat it gently. You can use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms the cake without drying it out. Serve it warm with a fresh dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This adds extra flavor and makes it feel like a special treat again. Yes, you can use homemade applesauce. It adds a fresh taste and aroma to the cake. Plus, you control the sweetness. Homemade applesauce is often thicker, which can make the cake moist and flavorful. You can also add your favorite spices or even nuts to your homemade version for a unique twist. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. You can also look for a golden-brown top and a firm edge. The cake will pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when it's fully baked. Absolutely! You can make the frosting ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature. You can re-whip it for a smooth texture. This method saves time when you bake the cake later. Applesauce Cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with a cup of warm apple cider or coffee. For a fun twist, add some caramel sauce on top of the frosting. This makes for a delightful dessert experience! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making a delicious applesauce cake topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Remember to use fresh ingredients and adapt the recipe to your taste. You can try different flavors or make it gluten-free. Store your cake properly to enjoy it later. I hope you feel inspired to bake and share this delightful dessert with others. Enjoy creating your applesauce cake!$

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Create a mouthwatering dessert with this Applesauce Delight Cake recipe! Combining the sweetness of applesauce with warm spices, this cake is topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for sharing or special occasions, it’s simple to make and utterly delicious. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delightful cake!

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Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, combine the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing until completely smooth.

Frosting the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 slices

- Presentation Tips: Slice the cake into squares and serve on a decorative plate. Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a thin slice of apple for added color and freshness.