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Moist Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick, creamy white frosting.
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Bake this incredibly moist applesauce cake, packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy, nostalgic recipe delivers a tender crumb and tastes like homemade comfort. Top it with a simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting for the best fall dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

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. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a sheet cake, or 30 to 35 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and cinnamon until combined. Add the vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve this tender apple cake.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use browned butter in the cake batter instead of regular melted butter.
  • If you prefer a simpler finish, dust the cooled cake generously with powdered sugar instead of using frosting.
  • This cake freezes well; wrap tightly before freezing for up to three months.

Nutrition

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