Applesauce Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Applesauce Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines warm spices with the natural sweetness of applesauce. Finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (full fat)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz, room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cloves.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until just combined, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until just combined. Then add all the buttermilk and mix until combined. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and beat gently until mixed. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Using a food scale can help ensure even layers. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the cakes cool in the pans on the stove for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges if needed, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the butter and vanilla extract and beat until creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Step 8: Level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife to create flat layers. Place one cake layer on a cake plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top to adhere the layers.
- Step 9: Place the second cake layer on top, bottom side up for a smooth surface.
- Step 10: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake using an angled spatula. Chill the cake in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Step 11: Remove from the freezer and spread a thicker, even layer of frosting over the cake. Smooth the sides and top with a scraper if desired. Optionally, pipe decorative dollops along the edges using a star tip.
Tips & Variations
- Use a food scale to evenly divide batter for uniform cake layers.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
- Replace buttermilk with equal parts milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice if needed.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.
- For a spicier kick, increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of applesauce?
Yes, unsweetened applesauce is recommended to control the sweetness, but you can use sweetened if you prefer; just reduce the sugar slightly in the recipe.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter), the cake is done.
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Applesauce Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Applesauce Spice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for cozy gatherings. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and sweetened with light brown sugar and applesauce, it’s a comforting classic. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake combines tender texture and rich flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (full fat)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz, room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray, then cut and place parchment paper circles at the bottom of each pan. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and ground cloves until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract just until incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients and beat just until mixed. Then add all of the buttermilk and mix until combined. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and gently beat until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans (using a scale if available for even distribution). Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without raw batter.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans on the stove for 20 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edges if needed, then remove cakes and place on wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add unsalted butter and vanilla extract and beat until combined and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously for about 2 minutes until frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Level the Cakes: Using a serrated knife, trim the rounded tops of the cooled cakes to create flat layers for stacking.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top to adhere the second layer. Position the second layer upside down on top to have a smooth top surface.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Using an angled spatula, apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake in the freezer for 10 minutes to set this coat.
- Final Frosting: Remove the cake from the freezer and apply a thicker, even layer of frosting on sides and top. Smooth using a cake scraper if desired. Optionally, decorate with frosting dollops using a piping bag fitted with a star tip along the top and bottom edges.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the cake pans prevents sticking and makes removing the cakes easier.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Trimming the tops of the cakes creates flat layers that stack evenly for a professional finish.
- The crumb coat helps prevent crumbs in the final layer of frosting, resulting in a clean appearance.
- Chilling the cake briefly after the crumb coat helps the frosting set, making it easier to apply the final layer.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Applesauce spice cake, spiced cake, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, moist spice cake, holiday cake
