Description
A moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing well for a smooth consistency.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding until just combined without overmixing. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled applesauce cake. Slice into portions and serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the cake.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
