Name: Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 2 Eggs; 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 8 oz Cream Cheese; 1/2 cup Butter; 4 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for frosting)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dessert, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a treat that will instantly sweeten up your day. This cake brings together the comforting flavors of spiced applesauce and luscious, tangy frosting in every bite—just the thing to bake when you want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon dreams. Whether you’re making it for a fall gathering, a holiday table, or as a nostalgic afternoon snack, this recipe wraps you in sweet, spiced goodness you’ll want to share (or savor all to yourself!).

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: every ingredient for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting serves a delicious purpose, working together to create a cake that’s perfectly tender, flavorful, and hard to resist. Skimp on nothing—each one builds the cake’s irresistible texture, warmth, and swoon-worthy finish.

Unsweetened Applesauce: Delivers moisture and natural sweetness, making the cake extra tender without overwhelming sugar.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its structure so every piece is just the right balance of fluffy and sturdy.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth with a caramel-like sweetness and keeps the crumb wonderfully moist.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: The secret duo to a light, perfectly risen cake.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Bring all the cozy spice, elevating the applesauce and imbuing warmth in every bite.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and add just the right richness.
Vegetable Oil: Makes sure the cake stays soft, tender, and delightful for days.
Vanilla Extract: Offers a subtle aromatic boost, rounding out all the flavors.
Cream Cheese: Acts as the creamy, tangy base of the dreamy cinnamon frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that pillow-perfect smoothness.
Butter: Adds extra creaminess to the frosting, making it practically irresistible.
Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Delivers a punch of spice right in the topping, tying the whole cake together.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan—this ensures an even bake and easy release later. In a large bowl, combine your unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a separate bowl for the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the spiced flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into the corners for an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean (with maybe a few moist crumbs). This step turns your kitchen into an aromatic haven, perfumed by cinnamon and apples. Let the cake cool completely in the pan so the next step is a breeze.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, grab a medium mixing bowl and beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until velvety smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and holds soft peaks. The cinnamon infuses this cream cheese frosting with rich warmth, creating the perfect complement for the spiced cake beneath.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting generously across the top. Smooth it out with a spatula, making lovely swoops and swirls for that homemade touch. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or scatter chopped walnuts across the top if you want a decorative finish and a bit of bite.

Step 5: Serve

Slice the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into generous squares. Serve at room temperature for soft, pillowy results, or lightly chilled if you prefer a firmer bite and extra refreshing tang. Whichever way you serve, every forkful is pure comfort.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

When it’s time to bring out your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, a few thoughtful garnishes can make it truly shine. Sprinkle extra cinnamon for a rustic, spiced look, or add a handful of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Sliced fresh apples or a light dusting of powdered sugar also make the presentation extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake stands beautifully on its own, but serving it with sides can turn snacktime into a special occasion. Pair with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a mug of warm apple cider. If you’re feeling festive, set out a platter of spiced dried fruits or winter citrus for a vibrant, seasonal touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve up your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: cut the cake into small cubes and skewer them for a dessert kebab or serve as cute, single-serve squares in cupcake liners at a party. For a more elegant twist, layer the cake and frosting in Mason jars for a portable trifle or transform leftovers into cake pops for a fun surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting keeps marvelously! Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. Make sure the cake is completely cooled and the frosting has set a bit before transferring to help maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to save some cake for future cravings. Slice the cake, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the frosting and add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, bring slices to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds if you like a softer texture. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let the cake sit at room temperature before serving. If adding fresh frosting, do so after the cake is fully thawed for the smoothest spread.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Absolutely, but keep in mind it will add extra sweetness to the cake. If you choose sweetened applesauce, you might want to slightly reduce the brown sugar in the batter to balance the flavors.

Can I make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cake stays just as moist and flavorful, though the texture may be a touch different.

Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely—this cake actually improves as it sits, since the flavors meld together! Just bake the cake and store (tightly covered) a day or two ahead, then frost before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I bake this cake as cupcakes?

Of course! Divide the batter evenly among lined muffin cups (about two-thirds full) and bake at the same temperature for 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool before topping with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Are there any nut-free options for garnishing?

Yes, you can skip nuts altogether or top the frosting with toasted coconut, extra cinnamon, or even simple apple chip slices for a completely nut-free, delicious finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth and delivers a cozy, flavorful punch, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the recipe to try next. Every bite is nostalgic, moist, and a little bit magical—so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and treat yourself to this sweet slice of comfort!

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Applesauce Cake topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and spiced cake will have your guests coming back for seconds!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix wet ingredients in one bowl, dry ingredients in another, then combine.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cake cool.
Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Frost the Cake: Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American