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Moist Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A square slice of moist applesauce cake topped with thick, creamy frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon.
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Bake this incredibly moist, spiced applesauce cake that captures the comfort of traditional home baking. This recipe delivers a tender crumb, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. This step helps create a moist cake.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the applesauce, sour cream, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 30 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
  12. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an extra rich flavor, use browned butter instead of softened butter in the cake batter.
  • If you prefer a simpler topping, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel glaze.
  • Ensure your applesauce is unsweetened for the best flavor balance with the spices and sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/moist-old-fashioned-applesauce-cake-recipe/