Print

Super Moist Classic Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a thick slice of moist applesauce cake topped with creamy, spiced frosting.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy applesauce cake recipe for a tender, perfectly spiced dessert. It stays incredibly moist and pairs well with a simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a classic comfort bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 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
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 30 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and cinnamon until fully incorporated.
  10. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  11. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an old-fashioned touch, you can fold 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped walnuts into the batter before baking.
  • This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • If you prefer a lighter frosting, use a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead of the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/moist-applesauce-cake-recipe/