Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: A Delicious Fall Dessert

Fall is the perfect season for warm, cozy flavors, and nothing says fall quite like apples. An applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the ultimate comfort dessert. Whether you're baking for family gatherings, a cozy night in, or to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake delivers a delightful blend of spices and rich, creamy frosting. Plus, with the added moisture from applesauce, this cake stays moist and flavorful for days. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delectable treat and why it should be your go-to fall dessert.

Why Applesauce Cake is Perfect for Fall

When the leaves begin to change and the weather cools, fall flavors come into focus. Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are staples in fall baking. Applesauce adds a subtle, natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods, making it ideal for cakes.

Using applesauce also allows for a reduction in added sugar and fat, making this cake a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. The spices blend beautifully with the applesauce, giving the cake its signature cozy flavor.

Key Ingredients for Applesauce Cake

To create the perfect applesauce cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that give it its distinctive flavor and texture.

• Applesauce: As the base ingredient, applesauce adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar levels in your cake.
• Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves elevates the cake's flavor, making it warm and inviting.
• Butter or Oil: Both work well for adding moisture, though butter adds a richer flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar complements the spices and applesauce with a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake structure while allowing it to stay tender and moist.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide the cake with its lift.

How to Make Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside. This cake can also be made in two 9-inch round pans if you prefer a layered presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sift them together to ensure even distribution of the spices.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

The star of this cake is undoubtedly the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This tangy, sweet, and spiced frosting is the perfect complement to the moist applesauce cake.

Ingredients for Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla rounds out the flavor.

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Cinnamon

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while beating on low speed. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy and light.

Final Assembly

Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you're making a layered cake, divide the frosting between the layers and frost the outside as desired. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Applesauce cake is perfect for serving at fall gatherings, whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast or a casual get-together. The rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For an extra special touch, you can top the cake with toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.