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Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon.
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Bake this super soft and moist old-fashioned applesauce cake. It uses simple pantry staples and warm spices for a nostalgic flavor perfect for fall baking or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup water or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, water or milk, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
  12. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve this delicious applesauce dessert.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use homemade applesauce in this recipe.
  • If you prefer a simpler finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
  • This moist applesauce cake is excellent for breakfast or as a healthy dessert swap when served plain.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/applesauce-cake-moist-old-fashioned-recipe/