Description: This Applesauce Cake is a moist, warmly spiced delight, perfect for any occasion. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the cake’s tender crumb is beautifully complemented by the tangy-sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy-to-make treat that brings comforting flavors and a touch of elegance to your table.
Ingredients:
For the Applesauce Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheating and Preparing the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. While the oven is heating, grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. You can use butter or cooking spray for greasing, followed by a light dusting of flour.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Whisking is essential to evenly distribute the leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) and spices throughout the flour. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor in every bite of the cake. Set aside the mixture.
Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer (or by hand with a sturdy spoon). Creaming means beating the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. Continue creaming for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is visibly lighter in color and texture.
Step 4: Adding Egg, Applesauce, and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture. The egg adds richness and structure to the cake. Next, stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce provides moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just moistened, leaving no visible streaks of flour.
Step 6: Baking the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. This ensures even baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The toothpick test is the best way to determine if the cake is fully baked.
Step 7: Cooling the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish before frosting. Cooling is essential because frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. It’s best to let the cake cool on a wire rack to promote even cooling.
Step 8: Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 9: Frosting the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula or knife to create a smooth and attractive finish.
Step 10: Serving the Cake: Slice the frosted applesauce cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of warm spices, moist cake, and creamy frosting creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. What makes this recipe truly special is its ease of preparation. It’s a straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can master, yet it delivers a sophisticated taste that will impress your guests. The cake’s moistness is unparalleled, thanks to the applesauce, which not only adds moisture but also a subtle sweetness that complements the spices perfectly. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory, providing a tangy and sweet contrast to the spiced cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. It’s also a great way to use up any extra applesauce you might have on hand. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen while this cake is baking is an added bonus, making it a truly enjoyable baking experience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Pair it with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Dust the top of the frosting with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.
- Serve slices with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Warm the slices slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and aromas.
- Accompany with a caramel drizzle for added sweetness and richness.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
- Use high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, a 9-inch round pan will also work, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cake batter.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added texture.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, unfrosted, until ready to serve.
- Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 4-5 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 200-250 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a testament to the simple pleasures of home baking. Its moist, spiced cake and tangy-sweet frosting offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing for various adaptations and additions to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting treat to enjoy with your family, this Applesauce Cake is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a delicious and memorable dessert that will leave everyone wanting more. The warmth of the spices, the tenderness of the cake, and the creaminess of the frosting all come together to create a truly exceptional baking experience. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this homemade goodness!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use store-bought applesauce, or do I need to make it from scratch?
A1: You can definitely use store-bought applesauce for this recipe. Just make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer, you can also use homemade applesauce, which will add a unique touch to the flavor profile of the cake.
Q2: What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it with something else?
A2: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Another option is to use a combination of Greek yogurt and butter, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to achieve the desired sweetness.
Q3: How can I make this cake healthier?
A3: To make this cake healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber. Additionally, consider using unsweetened applesauce and reducing the amount of butter in the frosting.
Q4: Can I add nuts or other fruits to the cake?
A4: Absolutely! Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake. You can also add other fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples for added texture and sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dry ingredients to compensate for the added moisture from the fruits.
Q5: How long does this cake last, and how should I store it?
A5: This cake will last for about 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To store it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. When freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
