This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect fall dessert — moist, spiced, and deeply comforting. With its tender crumb, warm cinnamon notes, and rich, creamy frosting, this cake tastes like autumn in every bite. 🍁

It’s an easy recipe that feels homemade and cozy, perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or when you just want something sweet and seasonal.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, cozy flavor to every bite.
Moist texture: Applesauce keeps this cake soft and tender without being heavy.
Creamy cinnamon frosting: The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness perfectly.
Simple ingredients: No mixer needed for the batter — just mix, bake, and frost!

Time Needed

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Cake BatterPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until smooth.
Bake the CakePour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the FrostingBeat cream cheese and butter together until light and creamy. Add vanilla and cinnamon, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble & FrostOnce the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top (and between layers if using round pans). Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts for garnish.
Serve & EnjoySlice into squares or wedges and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for a perfectly spiced autumn dessert.

Chef Emma’s Tips

Use unsweetened applesauce for balanced flavor — sweetened can make the cake too sugary.
Don’t skip the cooling step — warm cake will melt your frosting!
To add texture, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
This cake tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen!

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 365
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 240mg

Final Thoughts

This Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is everything a cozy dessert should be — moist, aromatic, and bursting with fall flavor. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a Thanksgiving table, this cake is sure to be a crowd favorite!