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Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake layered with light frosting, sitting on a small plate.
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Bake this incredibly moist, spiced applesauce cake. This old-fashioned recipe delivers a tender crumb and warm autumn flavor, perfect for any gathering. Top it with homemade maple cream cheese frosting for a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix 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 9×13 pan, or 30 to 40 minutes for round pans, or until a toothpick 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, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  12. Beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and creamy.
  13. Spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an extra moist cake, use unsweetened, thick applesauce.
  • You can substitute the milk with buttermilk for a slight tang.
  • If you prefer a simpler topping, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of using frosting.

Nutrition

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