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Super Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Frosting

Close-up of a moist, dark brown slice of applesauce cake topped with creamy, light brown frosting on a white plate.
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Make this easy, moist applesauce cake recipe, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, for a comforting homemade dessert. Top it with a simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour one 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing until combined.
  12. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  13. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade applesauce.
  • You can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter before baking for extra texture.
  • This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/applesauce-cake-moist-easy-old-fashioned/