Short description

This Applesauce Cake is moist and tender, bursting with warm spices, and topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting, homestyle dessert that feels like a snug hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly this cake comes together—no need to peel or chop apples, just applesauce does the trick! The nutty sweetness blends with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor, and the creamy frosting elevates it to treat-worthy status. It’s a great bake for afternoon tea, celebration, or casual dessert, and it’s even better the next day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All‑purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Unsweetened applesauce
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Ground cinnamon (for frosting)

directions

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour a 9×13‑inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid over‑mixing.
Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon until you reach your desired sweetness and texture.
Once the cake is fully cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This cake yields about 12 servings.

Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: approximately 30–35 minutes
Cooling and frosting: around 15 minutes
Total time: roughly 60–65 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: I like folding in ½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for texture and extra flavor.
Spice boost: A pinch of ground ginger or cloves intensifies the autumn-winter vibes.
Bundt version: Bake in a greased bundt pan; baking time may increase by 10–15 minutes—watch for doneness.
Healthier version: Swap half the oil for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.

storage/reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—keep it cool to protect the cream cheese frosting.
Freezing: The cake part freezes well (freeze unfrosted slices individually). Thaw, then frost before serving.
Reheating: I enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. If I prefer a warm slice, I microwave it for 10–15 seconds, but I skip reheating when it’s frosted—heat may soften the frosting too much.

FAQs

What kind of applesauce should I use?

I typically use unsweetened applesauce for better control of sweetness, but sweetened is fine—just reduce the granulated sugar slightly in the recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten‑free?

Yes, I substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend, and the texture stays tender; just ensure the baking powder is gluten‑free too.

How do I prevent a soggy cake?

I let the cake cool fully before frosting—if it’s still warm, condensation can make the frosting runny.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely—I’ve doubled it for larger gatherings, just use two pans, adjust bake time if needed, and spread frosting on each cake separately.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

The cinnamon cream cheese frosting stays great in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. I always check for any separation before using.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorite cozy desserts. It’s easy to bake, full of comforting spice, and perfectly balanced by the creamy frosting. I enjoy sharing it at gatherings or making it just to brighten an ordinary afternoon. I hope I’ve inspired you to bake it—and I’m sure it’ll become a cherished go‑to treat in your kitchen too!