Applesauce Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

Picture a slice of applesauce cake, where the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, inviting a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

This delightful dessert is incredibly easy to make, offering a cozy indulgence that quickly becomes a family favorite.

Watch as simple pantry staples transform into a moist, flavorful cake, topped with luscious cream cheese icing.

Let’s bring this delightful treat to life and savor every bite!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 9-inch cake pan
• 1 Oven
• 1 Cooling rack
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Measuring cup set
• 1 Measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and baking the Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, you can follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Phase:
   • Read Recipe (5 minutes): Begin by carefully reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
   • Prep Ingredients (10 minutes): Gather and measure all ingredients, ensuring they’re at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pan.
   • Prep Equipment (5 minutes): Set up your mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups, and spoons, and have your cooling rack and spatula ready.
2. Mixing and Baking Phase:
   • Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
   • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): Add applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Fold in walnuts, if using.
   • Bake Cake (30 minutes): Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes. Use this time to clean up the kitchen.
3. Cooling and Icing Preparation Phase:
   • Cool Cake (10 minutes): Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
   • Prepare Icing (10 minutes): While the cake is cooling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the icing is fluffy.
4. Icing and Final Touches Phase:
   • Ice Cake (5 minutes): Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula.
   • Rest Cake (10 minutes): Let the cake rest for 10 minutes to allow the icing to set before serving.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Add applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Fold in chopped walnuts if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the icing is fluffy.

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula.

Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries for a burst of freshness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the spices and add a creamy contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for added richness and a touch of indulgence.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the cake with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and spice.

Storage

To store applesauce cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Keep it refrigerated for up to five days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze applesauce cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

Store in an airtight container.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To reheat applesauce cake, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Alternatively, use a low-temperature oven for 5-10 minutes to preserve moisture.

Final Thoughts

The Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese.

Its moist texture, thanks to the applesauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a simple family dessert, this cake is sure to impress.

Feel free to experiment with different spices or nuts to customize it to your liking.

Enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Applesauce With Another Fruit Puree?

You can substitute applesauce with another fruit puree like pear or banana. Make certain the puree is smooth and similar in moisture content. This swap adds a unique flavor twist, enhancing the cake’s taste and texture beautifully.

Is It Possible to Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

You can transform this cake into a gluten-free delight by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make certain the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Experiment artistically with flavors, but maintain focus on ingredient integrity.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese for the Icing?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a silkier texture or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Blend with powdered sugar and vanilla to maintain a creamy consistency. Adjust sweetness to suit your taste preference.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?

Swap eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use plant-based butter, and choose vegan cream cheese. For the sugar, opt for organic. Confirm your flour and spices are vegan-certified. Your cake will be deliciously plant-friendly.

Will Adding Different Nuts Affect the Cake’s Texture?

Adding different nuts can subtly alter the cake’s texture. Walnuts offer a buttery crunch, while almonds introduce a firmer bite. Cashews provide creaminess. Choose nuts that complement your flavor profile, ensuring they’re chopped evenly for consistency.

Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 9-inch cake pan
• 1 Oven
• 1 Cooling rack
• 1 Spatula
• 1 measuring cup set
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Add applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
• Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the icing is fluffy.
• Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula.
• Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning the recipe, especially the cream cheese and butter for smooth icing. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. Feel free to get creative with the spices by adding a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.