Spiced Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is extremely moist, which means it's a rare cake that tastes almost as good on day three as it did on day one, if you can get it to last that long. It's the kind of cake that quickly slips into your repertoire; make it on a Monday, I guarantee you'll find another event that wouldn't be complete without it by Friday. And then again on Sunday. If you're using a stronger cinnamon, such as Vietnamese cinnamon, you can use 2/3 of the suggested amount for a similar impact, or the full amount for an extra cinnamon pop.
This cake is extremely moist, which means it's a rare cake that tastes almost as good on day three as it did on day one, if you can get it to last that long. It's the kind of cake that quickly slips into your repertoire; make it on a Monday, I guarantee you'll find another event that wouldn't be complete without it by Friday. And then again on Sunday. If you're using a stronger cinnamon, such as Vietnamese cinnamon, you can use 2/3 of the suggested amount for a similar impact, or the full amount for an extra cinnamon pop.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- for cake
- for frosting
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (8 3/4 ounces or 250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
- 3/4 teaspoon (2 grams) cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground ginger
- 1 stick (4 ounces or 113 grams) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup (6 7/8 ounces or 195 grams) packed light brown sugar (updated weight)
- 1 1/2 cups (about 13 ounces or 365 grams) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (about 1 3/4 ounces or 50 grams) walnuts (optional), toasted,
- cooled, and chopped
- 5 ounces (142 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces or 42 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (4 ounces or 120 grams) confectioners sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) teaspoon cinnamon
- Carbohydrate 1.753163125 g
- Cholesterol 846 mg
- Fat 19.906971875 g
- Fiber 0.044887501001358 g
- Protein 25.16847875 g
- Saturated Fat 6.205242375 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (343g)
- Sodium 280.4134375 mg
- Sugar 1.70827562399864 g
- Trans Fat 3.3423488125 g
- Calories 289 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Butter an 8- or 9-inch square cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter if desired.
- Make cake: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in applesauce. At low speed, mix in flour mixture until just combined, then stir in walnuts (if using).
- Spread batter evenly in pan and bake until golden-brown and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes. Run a knife around edge of cake to loosen, then invert onto a plate. Reinvert cake onto a rack to cool completely.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy. Sift confectioners sugar and cinnamon over cream cheese mixture, then beat at medium speed until incorporated.
- Spread frosting over top of cooled cake.
My Spiced Applesauce Cake Adventure: A Culinary Journey From Kitchen Chaos to Sweet Success
As a busy working mom, time is a precious commodity. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed, finding time for elaborate baking projects often feels impossible. Yet, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating something delicious from scratch – a small act of self-care amidst the whirlwind. This spiced applesauce cake became my go-to recipe, a testament to the fact that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering.
The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. The moist texture, a result of the generous amount of applesauce, makes it a delightful treat enjoyed anytime. The subtle warmth of the spices, perfectly balanced by the creamy cinnamon frosting, creates a comforting aroma that fills my kitchen and instantly puts a smile on everyone’s face. It's a recipe that’s easily adaptable; I've experimented with different nuts, adding pecans or even chopped dates for an extra layer of flavor. And let's not forget the frosting – the perfect ending touch. Creamy, subtly sweet, and with just the right amount of cinnamon, it complements the cake without overpowering it. It's the kind of frosting that makes you want to lick the bowl clean (which, let’s be honest, I often do!).
What started as a simple recipe quickly became a family favorite. It's the kind of cake that vanishes quickly – a testament to its deliciousness. I often find myself making a double batch, just to be sure there are enough leftovers (though they rarely last long). It's more than just a cake; it's a symbol of comfort, of sharing joy with loved ones, and a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time to bake something special. It’s a moment of quiet amidst the chaos, a small piece of happiness created with my own two hands.
The ease of this recipe makes it perfect for all skill levels. The steps are clear and concise, even a novice baker can achieve delicious results. It’s a recipe that has brought me countless happy memories, from birthday celebrations to cozy nights in with the family. It’s a recipe I cherish, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories it holds.
The recipe’s inherent adaptability is another major draw. I’ve made it into cupcakes for school events, added different spices based on seasonal preferences (think pumpkin spice for fall or ginger for a holiday twist), and even experimented with different types of frosting, swapping the cream cheese for a simple buttercream. The results have always been fantastic, proving that even minor alterations can lead to delightful variations.
More than just a dessert, this spiced applesauce cake embodies the spirit of home baking. It represents the warmth, comfort, and love that are woven into every delicious bite. It's a recipe that speaks of tradition, family, and the simple joys of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The process itself is therapeutic, a calming escape from the daily demands, and the end result is a reward that's worth every minute.
So, if you're looking for a moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy cake recipe, look no further. This spiced applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a guaranteed winner, sure to please even the most discerning palates. It’s the perfect recipe for busy individuals who still want to enjoy the pleasures of homemade baking, without the hassle of complex techniques or extensive preparation time.
This recipe has become a staple in my baking repertoire, a testament to its simplicity and deliciousness. I encourage you to try it. You might just find yourself making it again and again, creating your own special memories in the process. It’s a recipe that transcends the ordinary, transforming a simple cake into a symbol of comfort, joy, and the sweet satisfaction of creating something truly special.
