Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – A Perfect Fall Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, spiced flavor of apples with the creamy, tangy goodness of cream cheese frosting. The applesauce not only makes the cake moist and tender but also infuses it with a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the rich frosting. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a comforting layer of spice that enhances the cake’s flavor profile and brings everything together. This cake is perfect for fall, but its irresistible flavor makes it great for any season. It’s easy to make and will impress guests with its rich taste and soft, moist texture. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday dessert table, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this applesauce cake will become a staple in your recipe collection.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
3. Stir in the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula or a butter knife for an even layer.

Equipment needed:

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12-16 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour (including cooling time)

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

This cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, or sprinkle them on top with the frosting. For a little more sweetness, you could drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving.

You can also experiment with the frosting. Try adding a dash of maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting for a deeper, fall-inspired flavor, or swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a more autumnal twist. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or try a light cream cheese spread.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 piece, if 12 servings)
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	3g
Carbs	42g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	28g
Sodium	200mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

• Use room temperature ingredients for both the cake and frosting to ensure everything blends together smoothly.
• Don’t skip the cooling time for the cake; the frosting will melt if applied to a warm cake.
• If you like a more frosted cake, feel free to double the frosting recipe to have a thicker layer on top.
• You can easily freeze this cake (frosted or unfrosted) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and frost it shortly before serving.

Can I freeze the applesauce cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, let it thaw, and then frost.

Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different frosting, you can try using a classic vanilla buttercream or a chocolate ganache instead of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Conclusion

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect balance of moist cake and creamy frosting. The applesauce gives the cake a natural sweetness, while the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a delightful spiced finish. Whether for a fall gathering, a cozy family dessert, or a special treat, this cake is sure to impress and leave everyone wanting more!

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