Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce for better sweetness control.
- Add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Cool cake completely before frosting to avoid sogginess.
- The cake (without frosting) freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Swap half the oil for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
