Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a soft, moist, and warmly spiced dessert that feels like pure comfort in every bite. The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly tender while adding natural sweetness and a subtle apple flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
This cake is especially popular during fall and holiday seasons, but it’s simple enough to enjoy year-round. It’s the kind of homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and disappears quickly once served.
The rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level—creamy, tangy, and lightly spiced, it balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan or round cake pans
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes
Applesauce
Use unsweetened applesauce for better control of sweetness and a moist texture.
Cinnamon
Adds warm spice that enhances the apple flavor.
Brown Sugar
Gives depth, moisture, and a slight caramel taste.
Cream Cheese
Provides tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in applesauce and vanilla.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Adjust thickness by adding more sugar if needed.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake using a spatula.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overmix the batter (keeps cake soft)
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother frosting
- Cool cake fully before frosting to prevent melting
- Add chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture
- Store in the refrigerator due to cream cheese frosting
Variations
Apple Walnut Cake
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
Raisin Spiced Cake
Add ½ cup raisins soaked in warm water.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup.
Bundt Cake Version
Bake in a greased bundt pan for a prettier presentation.
Healthier Version
Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Hot coffee
- Chai tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Warm caramel drizzle
- Whipped cream
