Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like fall in every bite, Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your go-to treat! This cake is incredibly moist and loaded with cozy spices, thanks to generous helpings of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The applesauce gives it an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the finishing touch you never knew you needed. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon coffee, a family gathering, or an impromptu celebration, this cake fits right in—as comforting as a homemade hug, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. Each one is thoughtfully chosen, not only for its simplicity, but for the magic it brings to the table: deep flavor, pillowy softness, and that signature warmth everyone craves in Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of your cake, delivering just the right structure for a light, tender crumb.
- Baking soda: This helps your cake rise beautifully, guaranteeing a fluffy bite every time.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—don’t skimp! It adds rich, aromatic warmth to both the cake and the frosting.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint enhances the cake’s depth and makes the flavor more complex and irresistible.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding subtle spicy notes that make the cake sing.
- Salt: Essential to sharpen all the other flavors—don’t leave it out!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides unbeatable richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture, keeping the cake soft for days.
- Large eggs: Bring structure and help bind all those delicious ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances every warm spice in the cake and frosting with a mellow, fragrant sweetness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The secret to that ultra-moist crumb—plus, it adds a gentle fruitiness you’ll love.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creamy, tangy, and absolutely dreamy in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Gives your frosting that classic, cloud-like fluffiness and just the right sweetness.
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which gives you plenty of time to mix the batter without rushing. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this is the key to effortless cake removal and perfectly neat slices.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Reach for a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Blending these ensures the spices and leavening agents are perfectly dispersed, so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color—this step is crucial for a soft, tender cake. Take a moment to enjoy the sweet, caramel scent!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Each addition makes the batter silkier and ensures the cake holds together beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in the Applesauce
Gently fold in the unsweetened applesauce. It might look a little shaggy at first, but trust the process—the applesauce will bring everything together and keep the cake ultra-moist.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl gradually, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can toughen your cake, so stop when you no longer see dry flour. If you’re adding walnuts or raisins, now’s the time to gently fold them in as well.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the greased dish, smoothing the surface for even baking. Bake 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool right in the pan—tempting as it is, patience pays off for the perfect Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is truly smooth. Add vanilla and cinnamon, then gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting turns fluffy and creamy. It should easily glide off a spatula—with that cinnamon aroma stealing the show!
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Only frost the cake once it’s completely cool (no shortcuts here) to avoid a melty mess. Generously spread the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting over the cake. The swirlier, the better—rustic is beautiful!
How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes
A few thoughtfully chosen finishing touches can make your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting even more tempting. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for inviting warmth. For an extra-special look, add chopped toasted walnuts or even a light dusting of powdered sugar—simple, yet stunning.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and spiced, making it perfect alongside a steaming cup of chai or coffee. If you’re serving it after a meal, pair it with sliced fresh apples or pears, or offer a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic twist. The key is keeping your sides simple to let the cake’s cozy flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into small squares for a dessert buffet or afternoon tea. Mini trifle cups are adorable layered with cake cubes and extra frosting. Or go rustic by serving directly from the pan for a casual family vibe that brings everyone to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld the longer it sits, so every sneaky slice the next day tastes even better. It keeps well for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices or the whole (unfrosted) cake. Wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn, and stash it for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then frost and serve when ready—a lifesaver for last-minute dessert emergencies!
Reheating
If you crave a slightly warm slice, let cold cake come to room temperature, then give it 10-15 seconds in the microwave (without frosting, if possible). This revives the softness without melting your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. For larger portions, a quick, low-temp blast in the oven works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Sweetened applesauce works, but the cake will be a bit sweeter overall. You might want to reduce the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons if you prefer a more balanced flavor.
What type Dessert
Full-fat, block cream cheese delivers the best texture for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s thick, smooth, and wonderfully rich. Avoid whipped or low-fat tubs, which can make the frosting runny.
Can I make this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting as cupcakes?
You sure can! Divide the batter evenly among lined muffin tins, bake for 18-22 minutes, and frost when cool. They’re perfect for sharing or potlucks.
Are there nut-free or dairy-free options?
For a nut-free version, simply skip the walnuts. For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese; the result is still delicious and crowd-friendly.
Why is my cake dense or gummy?
Over-mixing the batter or adding too much applesauce can make the cake dense. For the perfect tender crumb in your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, mix just until there’s no visible flour, and measure your ingredients carefully.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting truly brings together the warmest, most inviting flavors in a single bite. If you love fuss-free desserts that pack a big nostalgic punch, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll want to bring it out for every celebration (and cozy night in) all year long!
Print
Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Applesauce Cake topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and spiced cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg