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To make the applesauce cake, you will need: - 2 cups unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt These ingredients blend to create a moist and flavorful cake. Applesauce gives great texture and sweetness. The spices add warmth and depth. For the creamy frosting, gather: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon This frosting is smooth and rich. The cream cheese adds tang, while cinnamon brings a nice kick. You will need a few basic tools: - Two 9-inch round cake pans - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Spatula - Electric mixer - Toothpick for testing These tools make your baking process easier. With them, you'll prepare your cakes and frosting like a pro. For the full recipe, check back to see how everything comes together in a delicious way! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to baking the cake evenly. While the oven heats, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease and flour the pans well. You can also use parchment paper to help with easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, add the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients. Blend until the mixture is smooth. This step ensures that the sugars dissolve well for a tasty cake. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the flour. It also mixes the leavening agents well, which will make your cake rise nicely. Now, gently add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dry into the wet. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cake light and fluffy. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While the cakes cool, let’s make the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together. Mix on medium speed until creamy and smooth. This step gives your frosting a rich texture. Once the cakes are cool, take one layer and place it on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Carefully add the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. For a special touch, lightly sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the frosted cake. This cake is now ready for your table. Enjoy every slice! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your cake moist, use unsweetened applesauce. It adds moisture and flavor. Use oil instead of butter in the cake batter. This helps retain more moisture. Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the cake airy. Let the cakes cool fully before frosting. Warm cakes can make the frosting melt. For the perfect frosting, start with softened cream cheese and butter. This helps mix well. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix until you reach your desired sweetness and fluffiness. If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk. This will help smooth it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you get a spreadable texture. Serve the cake on a pretty plate. Decorate with apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For the full recipe, check out the Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, consider other frostings. A simple whipped cream can add lightness. You could also use a chocolate ganache for a rich twist. For a fruity touch, try a lemon glaze. Each option gives a new flavor to the cake. Adding nuts or fruits can enhance the cake's taste and texture. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth. You can also mix in raisins or chopped apples for added sweetness. These additions make each bite more exciting and flavorful. To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure the blend has a good binding agent. For dairy-free options, use a dairy-free cream cheese. Applesauce works well in both cases, keeping the cake moist and delicious. After you enjoy your applesauce cake, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist. Place the container in the fridge for the best taste. The cake stays fresh for up to five days. If you have leftover frosting, store it in a separate container. It can last for about a week in the fridge. Freezing is a great way to keep your cake longer. To freeze, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. If you freeze the frosting, store it in a container. It also lasts for three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your cake warm, you can reheat it. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15 to 20 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat it in short bursts. For a fresh taste, you can frost it again after reheating. This adds a nice touch to each slice. Enjoy each bite of this delightful cake! Yes, you can use store-bought applesauce. It saves time and effort. Just choose unsweetened applesauce for the best flavor. Homemade applesauce is great too, if you have the time. To boost flavor, add spices like ginger or cloves. You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits. A splash of orange juice or zest adds a nice twist. Experiment with different flavors until you find the perfect mix. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try Greek yogurt or mascarpone. For a dairy-free option, use a nut-based cream cheese. Each will change the flavor a bit, but they still taste great! The cake stays fresh for about four days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you refrigerate it, the cake lasts a week. Yes, you can make this applesauce cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake, then wrap it well. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Frost it right before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious applesauce cake. We covered the main ingredients and tools you need, along with step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for keeping the cake moist and offered fun variations. Storing and reheating your cake is also simple. Making this cake is enjoyable and rewarding. As you try it out, remember that small changes can make a big difference. Happy baking!

- Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the warmth of homemade Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful cake, packed with the goodness of applesauce and a hint of cinnamon, is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a moist cake topped with creamy frosting. Click through to explore this delicious recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, or lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

      Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently stir until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will help keep the cake light and fluffy.

          Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

            Make the Frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a clean, large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

              Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well-combined. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

                Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the layered cake.

                  Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and decoration, lightly sprinkle additional ground cinnamon over the top of the frosted cake.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the cake on a decorative plate and adding a few apple slices or cinnamon sticks around the base for an elegant look. Enjoy your delightful dessert!