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Moist Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick cream cheese frosting, sitting on a gray plate.
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Make this simple, moist applesauce cake that tastes like fall. It uses everyday ingredients and pairs well with a fluffy cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time if the frosting is too stiff.
  12. Spread the cinnamon frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • This cake is a great alternative when you are looking into simple meal planning for easy weeknight desserts.
  • For extra texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or raisins with the dry ingredients.
  • If you prefer a less sweet topping, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of using the frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/moist-applesauce-cake-with-cinnamon-frosting/