There’s something truly nostalgic about Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, and every bite tastes like autumn coziness wrapped in a tender, spiced crumb. Earthy cinnamon and sweet applesauce join forces for a cake that’s both irresistibly moist and bursting with flavor, and the swoop of cinnamon-laced cream cheese frosting takes it over the top. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends at a potluck, this comforting cake always brings people together with its simple, homey charm.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting keeps things easy but intentional: each ingredient serves a purpose, from flavor to texture. These staple ingredients are the heart of this cake, creating that signature soft crumb and heavenly frosting.

Unsweetened Applesauce: Locks in moisture and lends a gentle, natural sweetness without overpowering the delicate spices.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the right amount of structure so your cake holds together, but still stays soft and light.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel undertone and helps keep the cake extra moist.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are your leavening agents, ensuring a fluffy and risen cake every time.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Together, these spices add the warmth and rich aroma that define this cake.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake that perfect, tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb moist and tender for days without adding heaviness.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates and rounds out the flavors in both cake and frosting.
Cream Cheese: The essential base for a luscious, tangy-sweet frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting without any grittiness.
Butter: Blends into the frosting for an ultra-creamy texture and rich taste.
Ground Cinnamon (for frosting): Adds a warm, spicy note to perfectly complement the tangy cream cheese.

How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, give it a quick grease, and set it aside. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix! That way, your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting will stay tender and light.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack—patience pays off here, because frosting a warm cake leads to a melted mess instead of glorious swirls.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools, it’s time to whip up the star of the show: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Beat the cream cheese, butter, and a splash of vanilla together until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly add powdered sugar and the ground cinnamon, beating continuously until you get a fluffy, dreamy frosting. The cinnamon should be evenly dispersed, giving your frosting those lovely brown specks and a warm spiced kick that pairs perfectly with the cake.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting base is cool, spread the frosting evenly over every inch. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create pretty swoops, then, if you’d like, dust with a pinch of extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped walnuts for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 5: Serve

Cut your cake into generous squares and serve at room temperature or lightly chilled, depending on your mood. The combination of spicy cake and creamy frosting is simply irresistible from the very first bite. Don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon is classic and instantly elevates the visual appeal of your Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. If you want more texture, toss on a few chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. For a fancier finish, try a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar—each one brings its own distinct flair.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving it as a fall dessert, it’s lovely alongside roasted pears or a fresh fruit salad. For brunch, a side of crisp bacon or sausage adds a savory contrast to the cake’s sweet, spiced notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of slicing in squares, you can cut the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party platter. Try stacking smaller pieces into a layer cake, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For gatherings, individual cupcake versions are adorable and easy to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and intensify.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Slice the fully frosted cake into squares, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight—the frosting holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, pop a chilled slice of Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the crumb and brings the frosting to a perfect, creamy consistency without melting it.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought applesauce, or should I make my own?

Either works! Store-bought unsweetened applesauce is super convenient, but if you have homemade applesauce on hand, it’ll make the cake even more special. Just make sure it’s not too watery—thick applesauce gives the best texture.

How long can I keep Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in the fridge?

The cake will stay moist and delicious for up to five days in the refrigerator if covered well. After that, the texture may start to dry out a little, but it’s usually gone long before then!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free blend. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too. The result is just as moist and flavorful.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If cream cheese isn’t your thing or you need a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese or simply use a vanilla buttercream with a hearty dose of cinnamon. The taste will be different, but still delicious.

Can I add raisins or nuts to the cake batter?

Definitely! Fold in a cup of raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Just stir them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting enough—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, inspiring smiles and second helpings every time. Give it a try, and let it bring a little extra sweetness to your table!