Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this moist and spiced applesauce cake, a delightful treat that evokes warm memories of family gatherings. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake is bursting with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and fresh applesauce. Enjoy it plain or elevate it with frosting for a special touch!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1.5 cups unsweetened smooth applesauce
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Whisk applesauce, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
- Fold Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gently fold into applesauce mixture until combined. Fold in toasted chopped walnuts.
- Bake & Frost: Spread batter into pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then swirl caramel cream cheese frosting on top and sprinkle with walnuts.
- Slice & Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg