Spiced Applesauce Cake with Velvety Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your home on a crisp fall day. This spiced applesauce cake with velvety cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the perfect treat to indulge in during the autumn season. The combination of moist applesauce cake infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Applesauce Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Applesauce Cake

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, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Frosting the Applesauce Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

2. For an extra touch, you can decorate the cake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or garnish with apple slices.

Variations

This spiced applesauce cake recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Walnut or Pecan Additions: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for a delightful crunch.
Raisin or Dried Cranberry Twist: Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a burst of sweetness.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the vanilla extract in the cream cheese frosting with maple extract for a delightful twist.

Tips

Follow these helpful tips to ensure the best results with your spiced applesauce cake:

Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the cake.
For a more pronounced apple flavor, use homemade applesauce or chunky applesauce.
Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before using to ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This spiced applesauce cake with velvety cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a true celebration of fall flavors. The moist and aromatic cake, paired with the creamy and tangy frosting, creates a harmonious balance that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a hot cup of tea or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a slice of autumn bliss!

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate measurement conversion.

2. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the cream cheese frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of frosting, such as buttercream or caramel, feel free to experiment and use your favorite frosting recipe instead.

4. Can I use applesauce with added sugar?

While you can use applesauce with added sugar, it may affect the overall sweetness of the cake. Adjust the amount of granulated and brown sugar accordingly to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

5. Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Yes, you can easily convert this recipe into cupcakes. Simply line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Adjust the baking time to approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.