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Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick, creamy frosting.
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You will love this super soft and moist old-fashioned applesauce cake. It is packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a perfect cozy dessert for fall baking or any time you want a nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a sheet cake, or 30 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
  12. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • If you prefer a simpler finish, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of using the cream cheese frosting.
  • For an extra moist texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
  • This cake freezes well. Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/moist-old-fashioned-applesauce-cake/