There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of warm spices and sweet applesauce in a cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of something delicious, this Applesauce Cake is bound to become a favorite. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, with a delightful cinnamon cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy sweetness. This recipe is straightforward to follow and yields a cake that’s perfect for gatherings, dessert after dinner, or even a midday treat. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful cake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ 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 unsweetened applesauce (all-natural)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix these ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
- If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them in now.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand-held electric mixer), beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Continue beating the frosting until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
- Storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Helpful Notes
- Applesauce: Using unsweetened, all-natural applesauce is key. Sweetened applesauce might make the cake overly sweet.
- Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love a stronger spice flavor, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or ginger.
- Nuts: The chopped walnuts or pecans are optional but add a nice crunch to the cake. You can also substitute them with other nuts or even raisins.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: “Always use room temperature eggs and dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese. This ensures they mix more evenly and create a smoother texture.”
- Chef Mary Berry: “When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Over-mixing can result in a tough cake.”
- Chef Nigella Lawson: “If you want a deeper flavor, try browning the butter for the frosting before mixing it with the cream cheese.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well.
2. Can I freeze the Applesauce Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. It’s best to freeze it without the frosting. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
3. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil. However, the texture of the cake might be slightly different, with butter making it a bit richer.
4. What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?
If you’re missing one or two of the spices, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, or use a pumpkin pie spice blend as a substitute.
5. Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for 1:1 substitution.
6. How can I make the cake vegan?
To make the cake vegan, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and replace the cream cheese with a vegan alternative.
7. Can I add fruits like raisins or apples to the cake?
Yes, adding chopped apples or raisins can enhance the flavor and texture. Fold them in along with the nuts.
8. What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are traditional, but you can also use almonds or leave the nuts out entirely if you prefer.
9. Can I use flavored applesauce?
It’s best to use plain, unsweetened applesauce to avoid altering the flavor and sweetness of the cake.
10. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be sure not to over-bake, as this can dry out the cake.
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a treat that combines the warmth of spices with the freshness of applesauce, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow steps and a flavor that will impress everyone, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!