Description
Bake this moist, spiced applesauce cake for a classic, comforting dessert. It uses simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup water or milk
- For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the applesauce until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water or milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and spreadable. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade or high-quality unsweetened applesauce.
- You can substitute half the water/milk with strong brewed coffee for a deeper spice note.
- If you prefer a simpler topping, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 65