If you’re looking for a deliciously moist and flavorful cake, this Applesauce Cake is the perfect choice. Made with all-natural, unsweetened applesauce and a blend of warm spices, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dessert or bringing it to a gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
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)
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
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix. If you are using nuts, fold them in at this point.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together until light, fluffy, and smooth. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Continue beating until well combined, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Store:
Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Leftovers can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This helps the frosting soften slightly, making it easier to cut and enjoy.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few extra chopped nuts on top of the frosting for an elegant touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully with a slice of this cake.
- Portioning: Cut the cake into even squares or rectangles for easy serving. If you’re serving a crowd, consider slicing the cake into smaller pieces to stretch the servings.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s important to store the cake in the refrigerator. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Shelf Life: The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. For the best taste, consume it within the first couple of days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store the cake for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the cake to the refrigerator overnight, and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cake, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will slightly warm the cake without melting the frosting.
These tips will ensure that your Applesauce Cake remains fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying it the day it’s made or days later.
Variations:
1. Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake:
- Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.
- Baking Tip: Gluten-free cakes can sometimes be denser, so consider adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of baking powder to help the cake rise.
2. Whole Wheat Applesauce Cake:
- Substitute: Swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture.
- Health Boost: This variation adds extra fiber, making it a healthier option for those looking to include more whole grains in their diet.
3. Vegan Applesauce Cake:
- Substitute: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil like coconut or vegetable oil.
- Frosting: For the frosting, use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
4. Applesauce Spice Cake with Raisins:
- Add-In: For extra texture and a burst of sweetness, fold ¾ cup of raisins into the batter along with the nuts. The raisins pair wonderfully with the warm spices and applesauce.
- Optional: You can also add ¼ cup of shredded coconut for additional texture and flavor.
5. Applesauce Cake with Streusel Topping:
- Streusel: Instead of frosting, top the cake with a streusel before baking. Mix ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter before placing it in the oven.
- Crumble Variation: For an added crunch, mix in ¼ cup of chopped nuts or oats into the streusel topping.
6. Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake:
- Add-In: Fold ¾ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolate twist. The chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the spices and applesauce.
- Topping: You can also sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top of the frosting or cake before baking for a more decadent dessert.
7. Low-Sugar Applesauce Cake:
- Substitute: Reduce the sugar by half, or replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Natural Sweetness: The applesauce already adds natural sweetness, so this version is perfect for those watching their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor.
8. Applesauce Bundt Cake:
- Bakeware: Pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan instead of a 9×13-inch dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Presentation: This variation creates a beautifully shaped cake that can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple glaze.
FAQs:
1. Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but keep in mind that it will increase the overall sweetness of the cake. You may want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe by ¼ cup to balance the sweetness.
2. How can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight. Just wait to frost the cake until the day you plan to serve it for the best presentation.
3. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use a commercial egg replacer. This will make the cake suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies.
4. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option. Each substitute will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cake.
5. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake (with or without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
6. How can I make the cake more moist?
The applesauce already adds moisture to the cake, but you can increase the moisture by adding an extra ¼ cup of applesauce or by reducing the baking time slightly. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
This Applesauce Cake is not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying with its moist texture and rich flavor. The combination of warm spices and creamy cinnamon frosting makes it a standout dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort treat!