Applesauce Cake

Applesauce cake is a delightful and moist dessert that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices. Topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy afternoons at home.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
6. Serve: Enjoy a slice of this moist and spiced applesauce cake with its creamy frosting!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Nut Additions: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruits: Add raisins or chopped dried cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, or add ginger for a more pronounced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
   Yes, sweetened applesauce can be used, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.
2. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
   Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this cake without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce as a binding agent.
4. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
   Use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Can I make this cake in a different pan?
   Yes, this recipe can be adapted to a round cake pan; just adjust the baking time as needed.
7. What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
   You can substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lower-fat option.
8. Is this cake gluten-free?
   You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
9. How can I make the frosting fluffier?
   Be sure to beat the cream cheese and butter together well until light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar.
10. Can I serve this cake warm?
    While it’s best served chilled with frosting, you can enjoy it warm right out of the oven!

Conclusion

Applesauce cake is a comforting dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. With its tender crumb and luscious frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy this delightful cake as a sweet ending to any meal or as a standalone treat with your afternoon coffee!

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