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To make a tasty applesauce cake, gather these main ingredients: - 2 cups unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract These ingredients mix well to create a moist, flavorful cake. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake tender. The brown sugar gives a rich flavor, while the spices bring warmth. For the creamy frosting that tops our cake, you need: - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency) This frosting is rich and smooth. The cream cheese adds tanginess, while the cinnamon gives a warm, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake. Want to make your cake even better? Consider these optional add-ins: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for extra spice These add-ins can boost flavor and texture. Nuts add crunch, while dried fruits offer sweetness. You can mix and match based on what you like! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with butter or oil. Then, dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake comes out perfectly. In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for moisture. Stir these together until they are creamy. Next, add 3 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these well. Now, gently add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. Mix until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Keep mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. This helps achieve a smooth spreading consistency. Once the cake is cool, it’s time to frost. Use a spatula to spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Aim for an even layer for a beautiful look. For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top. Serve the cake by cutting it into generous squares. Enjoy your delightful applesauce cake! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get a great texture for your applesauce cake, use unsweetened applesauce. This gives the cake a natural sweetness. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Mix the wet ingredients well, but don’t overmix when adding the dry ingredients. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Avoid using cold eggs or overmixing the batter. Cold eggs can make the cake dense. Overmixing introduces too much air, leading to a tough texture. Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. An oven that’s too hot can burn the cake. Always use a toothpick to test doneness. For the best frosting, your cream cheese and butter must be soft. Beat them together until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar slowly to prevent lumps. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. This helps you get the perfect spreading consistency for the cake. For more in-depth instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} To make a gluten-free applesauce cake, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Use a mix with xanthan gum for the best texture. This change keeps the cake moist and delicious. You might want to check the blend's package for the right ratio. Follow the same steps in the full recipe for mixing and baking. You can switch up the frosting for a new twist. For chocolate frosting, add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mix. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. If you prefer vanilla, just omit the cinnamon and add more vanilla extract. Each frosting choice makes the cake unique and fun to serve. To enhance the cake's texture, consider adding fruits or nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. You can also fold in raisins or diced apples for extra flavor. Mix these in after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This small change makes each bite exciting and adds a delightful crunch. Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist. Place the cake at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it. You can freeze applesauce cake for future enjoyment. First, let it cool down. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped cake in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy later, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in an oven-safe dish. Warm it for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Just heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry the cake out. For detailed steps and exact measurements, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce in the cake. However, this may make your cake sweeter. If you do, you might want to reduce the added sugars in the recipe. To make your applesauce cake more moist, use extra applesauce or add some plain yogurt. Both add moisture and keep the cake tender. Another tip is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dry cake. If you want to swap out cream cheese, use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. Both options will give you a creamy texture. You can also try using whipped butter and powdered sugar for a lighter frosting. Your applesauce cake can last about three days at room temperature. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. For long-term storage, check the Full Recipe for freezing tips. We covered the key steps to create a delicious applesauce cake with rich frosting. You learned about the main ingredients, from applesauce to cream cheese, and optional add-ins that boost flavor. We explored tips for perfect texture and common baking mistakes to avoid. We even looked at gluten-free options and storage ideas. Bake this cake and enjoy every bite. You now have the tools to make it great!

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the sweet delight of this applesauce cake! Bursting with flavor and topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Discover the simple steps to create a moist and delicious dessert that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful treat to your kitchen today! Enjoy every slice of happiness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prepare your baking pan, generously grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well blended and creamy.

      Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the pure vanilla extract for added flavor.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.

          Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix, as this could affect the cake's texture.

            Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

              Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Once baked, allow the cake to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

                  For the Frosting:

                    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

                      Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until everything is well incorporated. If the frosting appears too thick for spreading, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

                        Once the cake has cooled completely, evenly spread the creamy frosting over the top using a spatula to create a smooth finish.

                          - Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                            - Presentation Tips: Cut the cake into generous squares and serve on a beautiful decorative plate. To enhance the aesthetic appeal, lightly dust extra ground cinnamon over the frosted surface, and garnish each slice with thin, fresh apple slices for a refreshing contrast and elegant touch.