Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Applesauce Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Applesauce Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until fully combined.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition.

• Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake with a spatula.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the soft, spiced applesauce cake topped with the creamy, tangy cinnamon frosting!

---

Tips:

• Variation: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake is even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

• To Make Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost it the day you plan to serve it.

Calories:

• Calories per slice (assuming 12 slices from the 9x13-inch pan): Approximately 300-350 calories per slice. This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.