Description

This nostalgic applesauce cake is moist, tender, and warmly spiced, topped with a creamy, slightly tangy frosting. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion and easy enough for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups (480g) unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup (80g) raisins (optional)
4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons (15-30ml) milk
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans. Line with parchment paper if desired.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Blend in applesauce until combined.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three additions, mixing gently after each until just combined.
Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes (25-30 for rounds), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk for desired consistency.
Once cake is fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top.
Slice and serve.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and cream cheese. Nuts and raisins are optional. Cake freezes well unfrosted. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Use room temperature eggs for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)
Calories: 240
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 220
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: applesauce cake, old fashioned, creamy frosting, autumn dessert, easy cake, homemade, comfort food, spiced cake, family recipe