Moist, spiced applesauce cake topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting — a cozy dessert perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Flavorful – Applesauce keeps the cake tender and perfectly spiced.
Easy & Quick – Minimal prep with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Decadent Frosting – Creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or an everyday sweet treat.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Cake

1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp ground cloves
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 cup (250g) unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Velvet Frosting

4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, chilled
¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories per Serving: ~380

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, then mix in applesauce and vanilla. The batter may look slightly curdled — this is normal.

Step 5: Finish Batter

Reduce mixer speed to low, add dry ingredients gradually, and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Make Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread frosting evenly on top. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Applesauce Swap – Use unsweetened pumpkin puree for a fall twist.
Add Nuts – Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Frosting Twist – Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the frosting for extra warmth.
Make Ahead – Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake in a larger pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan, but reduce the bake time slightly to 25–30 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and follow the same instructions.

3. How should I store leftovers?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake (unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any cozy gathering. The spiced cake paired with creamy cinnamon frosting makes every bite comforting and indulgent — a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.