Why Make This Recipe
Applesauce cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. The moistness from the applesauce and the blend of spices create a cake that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up extra applesauce!
How to Make Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups applesauce (unsweetened, all-natural)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in several increments, mixing just until combined. Fold in the walnuts and pecans if using. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Move the pan to a wire rack to fully cool.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat together the butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until light, fluffy, and smooth. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beaters as needed.
- Spread the frosting on the fully-cooled cake. This cake should be refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake
Serve slices of this delicious applesauce cake at room temperature or chilled from the fridge. It’s perfect for dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!
How to Store Applesauce Cake
Store any leftover applesauce cake in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed within the first few days.
Tips to Make Applesauce Cake
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. They help the ingredients blend more easily.
- If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Don’t skip the spices; they give the cake its wonderful flavor and warmth.
Variation
For a twist, try adding raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture. You can also top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweetened applesauce in this recipe?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar slightly to avoid making the cake too sweet.
2. Can I freeze applesauce cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a buttercream made with just butter and powdered sugar for a different flavor.
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups unsweetened all-natural applesauce
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup light brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Use if desired
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Mixing
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in several increments, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and pecans if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Move the pan to a wire rack to fully cool.
Frosting
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat together the butter, cream cheese, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beaters as needed.
Serving
- Spread the frosting on the fully-cooled cake.
- Serve slices of the applesauce cake at room temperature or chilled from the fridge.