There’s nothing quite as inviting as a warm, spice-laden slice of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This classic dessert brings together the cozy flavors of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar, all topped with a luscious, tangy frosting that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a festive get-together or simply want to treat yourself on a quiet evening, this cake strikes the perfect balance of nostalgia and comfort, destined to become your go-to autumn bake.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With humble staples and a dash of baking magic, you’ll transform ordinary pantry items into an extraordinary cake! Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial part in building flavor, ensuring moisture, and creating that iconic tender crumb and creamy finish.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure, keeping it tender and light when paired with applesauce.
Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to give the cake just the right lift and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances every sweet and spicy note for a balanced bite.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These essential warm spices are what make every bite sing with cozy flavor.
Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth feel to both cake and frosting.
Brown sugar: Lends irresistible caramel undertones and deep sweetness to the cake.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
Vanilla extract (for cake and frosting): Infuses both layers of this dessert with a mellow, aromatic sweetness.
Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient, adding moisture, subtle tartness, and natural sweetness.
Cream cheese (for frosting): Gives the topping its classic tang and creamy richness.
Powdered sugar: Creates a perfectly smooth, sweet base for the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with warmth, complementing the spices in the cake itself.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either give it a generous greasing or line it neatly with parchment paper for effortless removal later. This step is your secret weapon for an evenly baked, beautifully released cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. Thorough blending at this stage means you’ll get those lovely warm spice notes in every single bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer and adds essential air for lift and texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Applesauce

Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the applesauce. The applesauce adds unmistakable moisture and a delicate hint of apple flavor that makes Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting so unique.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your cake light and tender. At this point, feel free to fold in chopped walnuts or raisins for an extra pop of texture if you’d like.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the finished batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is vital—the frosting will only spread smoothly if the cake is cool to the touch.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat again until you have a dreamy, fluffy frosting that will swirl beautifully over your cake.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake, swirling it with a spatula for a rustic touch. For a final decorative flair, dust the top with a little extra cinnamon. Now your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a gorgeous contrast and a little extra warmth. Feel free to get fancy with toasted walnuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even thin apple slices fan-arranged on each piece—the cake truly shines with a personal touch.

Side Dishes

Because Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is so rich and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with freshly brewed coffee or hot spiced cider for a cozy afternoon, or add a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into squares and serving them on a rustic wooden board for a homey, snack-style spread. Individual cake squares also look lovely in cupcake wrappers for a party or bake sale. For a showstopping brunch or dessert table, add edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce on each piece. Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting always stands out with a little creative flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese in the frosting, chilling is essential to maintain freshness and food safety. Enjoy within four days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, even with the frosting! Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy, and the frosting will remain creamy and delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, just let a slice come to room temperature or gently microwave it for 10-15 seconds. The frosting will soften up and the cake will taste as if it’s just been baked—all the flavors melded and even more irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Absolutely! If you only have sweetened applesauce on hand, you can use it, but consider reducing the brown sugar in the cake by about 1/4 cup to keep your dessert from becoming overly sweet. The key is to balance all those delicious flavors.

Can I make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! Bake and frost it up to a day in advance—the flavors actually deepen and improve as it sits. Just store it covered in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

No worries! You can bake this recipe in a similar-sized pan, such as a 10×10-inch or even in muffin tins for individual cakes. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as smaller or deeper pans may require slight adjustments.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (that’s designed for 1:1 substitution) and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as satisfying as the original.

How long will Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting stay fresh?

With proper refrigeration, your cake will stay moist, flavorful, and safe to eat for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, ensuring you can savor a slice any time the craving strikes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade treat, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort on a plate. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that always disappears quickly—so don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe again and again. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite fall (or anytime!) bake.