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Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Made with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, combined with the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce, this cake offers a tender crumb and a subtly spiced profile. Topped with a rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups (318 g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar (break up any clumps with fingertips)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (490 g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 3/4 cup (175 ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
  • 6 Tbsp (85 g) butter, soft
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry cake ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice for 30 seconds to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices. Create a well in the center and set aside.
  3. Combine sugars and eggs: In a separate large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a lighter cake.
  4. Add wet ingredients to sugar mixture: To the sugar and eggs mixture, add the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste. Blend with the hand mixer until fully combined, creating a smooth wet batter.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Pour the wet applesauce mixture into the well in the flour mixture. Gently fold and stir until there are no longer streaks or pockets of flour. The batter will be lumpy, which is normal; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  6. Pour and level batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish. Wiggle the pan gently to spread the batter out evenly for uniform baking.
  7. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a moist crumb or two attached, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  8. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. To speed up cooling, you may place the cake in the refrigerator.
  9. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste.
  10. Whip frosting: Using clean beater blades and an electric hand mixer, blend the frosting mixture on low speed until ingredients are combined. Then increase to high speed and whip for several minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
  11. Adjust frosting firmness: If the frosting is too soft, you can freeze it in 3-minute increments, stirring between intervals to firm it up appropriately for spreading.
  12. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into 15 slices and serve.

Notes

  • Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and moisture level in the cake.
  • Scoop and level your flour for accurate measurement to avoid a dense cake.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to prevent a tough texture.
  • If you prefer a more spiced flavor, you can increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg.
  • Ensure the cream cheese and butter are nearly at room temperature for a smooth frosting without lumps.
  • The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • This cake freezes well, both unfrosted and frosted; thaw refrigerated overnight before serving.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/applesauce-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/