Print

Ultimately Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake layered with cream cheese frosting, highlighted by sunlight.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake this easy, old-fashioned applesauce cake for a supremely moist and tender dessert. It features warm fall spices and pairs perfectly with a simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional mix-in)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional mix-in)
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Set the dry ingredients aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the applesauce until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  7. If using, gently fold in the raisins and walnuts.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a sheet cake, or 35 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  11. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  12. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully combined.
  13. Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon until the frosting is creamy and uniform.
  14. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an extra moist cake, use chunky applesauce instead of smooth.
  • You can substitute the optional raisins and walnuts with 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a different texture.
  • This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/moist-applesauce-cake-recipe/