Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s something about a homemade applesauce cake that feels cozy and comforting. Maybe it’s the soft, moist texture, or the warm aroma of apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. Add cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and you’ve got a dessert that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for holiday tables. If you enjoy baking, experimenting with flavors, or just a little sweet indulgence, this cake will quickly become a favorite. Let’s go through all the steps so that even if you’re new to baking, you’ll get it just right.

📝 Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious applesauce cake with creamy cinnamon frosting:

For Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

⏱ Time and Servings

Servings: 8–10 slices

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Make the Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier slicing.

Image Prompt Idea: Close-up of a baking pan being greased, warm kitchen lighting, ingredients visible around the counter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures your cake rises evenly and has a perfect spiced flavor.

Image Prompt Idea: Overhead shot of a bowl of flour mixture with cinnamon sprinkled, wooden whisk stirring.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you like, you can fold in shredded carrots or nuts for texture.

Image Prompt Idea: Hands stirring a glossy, cinnamon-colored wet batter in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want the cake tender and soft.

Image Prompt Idea: Side shot of batter being poured into a mixing bowl with flour falling slowly, showing texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden brown.

Image Prompt Idea: Cake batter in the pan ready to go into the oven, warm natural light, oven mitts nearby.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. Combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Image Prompt Idea: Cream cheese frosting being whipped in a mixing bowl, whisk lifted with creamy strands.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for garnish if desired.

Image Prompt Idea: Cake being frosted, spreading thick cream cheese frosting with spatula, close-up on smooth surface.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This applesauce cake pairs wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee, tea, or warm cider 🍵
• A light fruit salad or berries 🍓
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence 🍨
• As a dessert for holiday dinners or brunch tables

🌟 Recipe Notes

• Variation ideas: Add raisins, shredded coconut, or swap applesauce for pumpkin puree in fall.
• Spice levels: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.
• Cheese-free option: This recipe is naturally dairy-light except for frosting; vegan frosting alternatives work too.

🔧 Kitchen Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer for frosting (optional)

💡 Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
• Store in an airtight container for freshness.

🥗 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
• Reheat: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes for warm slices.

Image Prompt Idea: Cake slices wrapped in parchment and stored in fridge or freezer, labeled with date.

🥗 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter → dense cake
• Frosting a hot cake → frosting melts and slides
• Using too much sugar in frosting → overly sweet balance
• Baking too long → dry cake

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes! Homemade applesauce works perfectly and adds fresh flavor.

2. How long does the frosting last?
Keep frosting in fridge up to 3 days.

3. Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely. Bake in lined muffin tins for 20–25 minutes.

4. Can I reduce sugar?
You can reduce sugar by 10–15% without much impact.

5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, kids love the soft texture and sweet frosting.

❤️ Health Benefits (Optional)

• Apples add fiber and natural sweetness
• Spices like cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar
• Homemade cake → control over ingredients, less preservatives than store-bought

🍏 Final Thoughts

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is warm, moist, and a little nostalgic. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort and joy, whether for a brunch, a family gathering, or just a weekend treat. I think once you make it, you’ll notice how easy it is to follow and how deliciously it turns out. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles around the table.