OMG, You HAVE to Try This Applesauce Cake!

Ever just need a hug from a dessert? Like, it’s rainy outside, you’re wrapped up in a blanket, and you just want something cozy and sweet? Yep, this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is your best friend. Seriously.

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, imagine us in the grocery store, right? First, grab unsweetened applesauce. It’s like the magic ingredient that keeps the cake super moist—like, you could practically drink it, it’s that good. Next up, all-purpose flour. You can’t skip it; it’s the backbone of any cake.

Then there’s brown sugar—get the dark kind if you can. It adds this amazing depth to the sweetness. Oh, and don’t forget about the spices! Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential—like, they practically scream fall! Eggs, oil, and vanilla are the trifecta of richness—just trust me on this one. And for the frosting? Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter. YES. It’s gonna be heavenly.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so here’s the thing. I made this cake last fall for Thanksgiving, right? And I totally spaced on what dessert to bring—like, chaos in the kitchen, you know? I whipped this up in, like, under an hour (maybe a little longer, but who’s counting?) and the whole family went bananas! My cousin even asked if I could make it for her wedding. I mean, WHAT?

It’s not just about the taste, though. It’s the memories. The laughter, the messy kitchen, and the feeling of pure happiness when someone takes a bite. Plus, my dog, Charlie, always sits there, looking at me like I’m a baking genius. (He’s just there for the crumbs, though.)

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, let me spill the tea—when you’re mixing the dry ingredients, do a little sifting. I know it’s an extra step, but it makes the cake so much lighter and fluffier. Seriously, it’s like giving your cake a pillow to rest on. You’ll thank me later!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Don’t overmix: Seriously, if you see some lumps, that’s okay! The cake will forgive you.
2. Cool it down: Let the cake cool all the way before you slap on that frosting. Otherwise, it’s just a gooey mess (and we don’t want that drama).
3. Taste as you go: Like, I have a strict rule of “if you’re not tasting, are you even baking?”

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is a big if, let’s be real), just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll last a few days, but I promise you’ll be sneaking bites at 2 AM.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re vibing with this cake, you might also wanna try my Pumpkin Spice Muffins (hello, fall!), or the ever-popular Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. I mean, who doesn’t love banana bread?

So, what’s your go-to dessert for when you need a cozy hug? Hit me up with your faves! 🍰❤️

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Applesauce Cake topped with creamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist, spiced cake is infused with rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat on cool evenings. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it will quickly become a family favorite.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon while continuing to beat until fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally garnish with extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts.
Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled.