Print

The Ultimate Moist Amish Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a thick slice of moist applesauce cake topped with creamy frosting, sitting on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake this incredibly moist, old-fashioned applesauce cake, packed with warm autumn spices. This easy recipe delivers the comfort of homemade baking, topped with a dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 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 ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

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 this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a moist cake texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; 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 making the frosting.
  10. To make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve this nostalgic cake recipe.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use homemade applesauce in this recipe.
  • If you prefer a maple flavor in your topping, substitute 1 tablespoon of maple extract for the vanilla extract in the frosting.
  • This cake freezes well before frosting; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/moist-amish-applesauce-cake-cinnamon-frosting/