Old Fashioned Applesauce Spice Cake Recipe
This Old Fashioned Applesauce Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert loaded with warm spices and applesauce for a tender crumb. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, evoking nostalgic comfort with every bite. Ideal for gatherings or cozy afternoons, this classic cake brings the best of fall flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz) block-style cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Set aside.
- Beat wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, canola or vegetable oil, unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Pour batter and bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 350℉ for 30 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; blend well.
- Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 15 pieces by cutting 3 rows vertically and 5 rows horizontally. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- You can substitute canola oil with vegetable or light olive oil if preferred.
- The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting as necessary.
