There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my delightful recipe for Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is not only moist and flavorful, but it also comes together in just 60 minutes! Perfect for a quick family dinner or a sweet treat during tea time, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with it, I’ve got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 60 minutes.
- Moist and flavorful, thanks to the applesauce.
- Rich and creamy cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level.
- Perfect for dessert or as a sweet addition to your afternoon tea.
- Great for sharing with family and friends!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Applesauce Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or two 4-ounce apple baby food jars)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Applesauce Cake turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- If you prefer a spicier cake, feel free to increase the cinnamon and cloves.
- Don’t skip the sifting of powdered sugar; it helps achieve a smooth frosting.
- For a fun twist, try adding a splash of orange zest to the frosting!
How to Serve
This Cream Cheese Frosting Cake is perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
- Slice it into squares for a casual gathering or picnic.
- Top with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, here are some tips:
- The cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
- If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it moist!
- This cake also freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last for up to 3 months.
So there you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after a 30-minute meal or a delightful dessert to impress your guests, this cake is sure to please. And if you’re interested in more healthy recipes, check out my posts on Healing Breakfast Soup and Foods for Healing the Gut. Happy baking!

Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- Mix butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until creamy. Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in applesauce, then gradually add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cake cool. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Frost cooled cake.