Moist Applesauce Cake Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in 35 Minutes

Applesauce Cake Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting — there’s something magical about pulling this warm, fragrant cake from the oven just as the leaves begin to turn. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, wrapping you in the cozy feeling of autumn no matter what the calendar says. I’ve been baking this applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for years — it’s the dessert my family asks for the moment there’s a chill in the air.

What I love most (besides how easy it is!) is how the simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. The applesauce keeps every bite impossibly moist, while the cinnamon-kissed frosting adds just the right creamy contrast. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people linger at the table, scraping their forks for that last crumb. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight treat or your Thanksgiving spread, this cake wraps you in cozy comfort with every slice.

Funny enough, this recipe came about when I needed to use up some extra applesauce after making a big batch for the kids’ lunches. Now? It’s our family’s not-so-secret autumn tradition. I hope it becomes one of yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, where do I even start? This cake is basically autumn in dessert form—warm, cozy, and packed with all the flavors that make this season so special. Here’s why it’s become my go-to treat:

• Moist like nobody’s business: The applesauce works magic here, keeping every slice tender and rich. No dry cake disasters on my watch!
• That spice blend though: Cinnamon and nutmeg team up to give you those warm, nostalgic vibes—like your favorite sweater but edible.
• Cream cheese frosting with a twist: The cinnamon swirls into the frosting, adding just enough zing to balance the sweetness. Trust me, you’ll want to lick the bowl.
• Easy-peasy: No fancy techniques here. Just mix, bake, and frost. Perfect for when you need something impressive but don’t have hours to spare.

Seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of cake that disappears fast—whether you’re sharing or (no judgment) keeping it all to yourself.

Ingredients for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cake success! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this autumn delight. Pro tip: take your butter, eggs, and cream cheese out of the fridge about an hour before baking – room temp ingredients blend so much better!

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I always spoon and level it to avoid dense cake)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (trust me, it makes the flavors pop)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (the good stuff!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (this is about 1 stick)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (pack it firmly in the measuring cup)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature makes them blend in smoothly)
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce (this is KEY – sweetened will make it cloying)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (don’t rush this – lumpy frosting is sad frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sift it if you want extra smooth frosting)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

See? Nothing too crazy – just simple ingredients that work absolute magic together. Now let’s get baking!

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required here – just the basics you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what I grab when making my applesauce cake:

• 9×13-inch baking pan (my trusty Pyrex works perfectly)
• 2 mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
• Hand mixer or sturdy whisk (I’m team hand mixer for that perfect creamy frosting)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula (for scraping every last bit of batter)

That’s it! Now you’re ready to create some autumnal magic.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s get baking! This applesauce cake comes together in just a few simple steps – I’ll walk you through each one so you end up with perfect results every time.

Preparing the Cake Batter

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside for now.

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the applesauce and vanilla – the batter will look a bit curdled at this point, but don’t worry! That’s totally normal.

Here’s the key: gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy here – it’ll make your cake tough instead of tender. A few flour streaks are okay; they’ll disappear when you pour the batter into the pan.

Baking the Cake

Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared 9×13-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (maybe with a crumb or two, but no wet batter).

Resist the urge to open the oven door too early – that sudden temperature drop can make your cake sink. When it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. I know it’s tempting, but trust me – frosting a warm cake leads to melty messes!

Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, let’s make that dreamy frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined and fluffy.

Once your cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If it seems too soft, pop the frosted cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before slicing. Then grab a fork and dig in – you’ve earned it!

Tips for the Perfect Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

After baking countless versions of this cake (all in the name of research, of course!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Toothpick test don’t lie: Check that cake at 35 minutes—if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done! Even a minute too long can dry out those edges.
• Patience is a virtue: Wait until the cake’s completely cool before frosting. I know it’s hard (I’ve been there!), but warm cake makes frosting slide right off.
• Cinnamon to taste: Love spice? Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to the frosting—it makes those autumn flavors really sing!
• Room temp is key: Cold ingredients don’t blend well. Take everything out about an hour before baking for smoothest batter and creamiest frosting.

Follow these simple tips, and you’re guaranteed cake perfection every single time!

Variations for Your Applesauce Cake

Oh, the possibilities! This applesauce cake is like your favorite sweater—perfect as is, but so fun to accessorize. Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Crunchy twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture. My aunt swears by toasting them first—adds such depth!
• Fruity surprise: A handful of raisins or dried cranberries makes each bite extra special. Soak them in warm apple cider first for plump, juicy bursts.
• Decadent drizzle: Warm caramel sauce over the frosting takes this from cozy to “wow” for special occasions. (My secret? A pinch of sea salt on top!)
• Dairy-free delight: Use vegan butter and coconut cream cheese in the frosting—it works beautifully! Just add the cinnamon slowly to balance flavors.

See? One recipe, endless ways to make it your own. What’ll you try first?

Serving and Storing Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s the best part – enjoying your masterpiece! This cake tastes amazing right away, but if you can wait (and I know that’s a big if), the flavors get even better after a day. The spices mingle, the applesauce works its magic, and suddenly it’s even more incredible.

For storage, pop any leftovers in the fridge since that cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3-4 days – if it lasts that long! Bring slices to room temp before serving for the best texture.

And oh – pair it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider! The warmth plays off the cake’s cozy flavors perfectly. Breakfast dessert? Don’t mind if I do.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time about my famous applesauce cake—here are the answers straight from my kitchen!

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Oh honey, no! The sweetened stuff will make your cake cloyingly sweet—we want those natural apple flavors to shine. Stick with unsweetened, and trust me, the brown sugar and frosting add plenty of sweetness already.

Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Just leave off the frosting first. Wrap cooled cake layers tightly in plastic, then foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp when ready to frost and serve.

How long does it stay fresh?
In the fridge (because of that luscious cream cheese frosting), it stays perfect for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen by day two—if you can wait that long!

What if I don’t have nutmeg?
No worries! Allspice or cloves work great in a pinch—just use half the amount since they’re more potent. Or skip it—the cinnamon carries the flavor beautifully.

Help! My frosting is too runny!
Been there! Pop the frosting bowl in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Too sweet? A tiny pinch of salt balances it perfectly. And always use full-fat cream cheese—the low-fat versions tend to be watery.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat nutrition—but remember, I’m a baker, not a dietitian! These numbers are just estimates since ingredients vary by brand. Each slice of this cozy cake gives you energy from the applesauce’s natural sugars and a little protein from the eggs. The cream cheese frosting adds richness (and let’s be real—pure joy). If you’re watching certain nutrients, you can tweak the recipe, but life’s too short not to enjoy dessert sometimes!

Share Your Applesauce Cake Creation!

I’d love to see your masterpiece! Snap a pic of your applesauce cake and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your cozy baking adventures. Leave a comment too if you’ve got any brilliant tweaks! Happy baking, friend.

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