Applesauce Cake Recipe

By Diana Rattray

Updated 11/13/18

Applesauce Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Diana Rattray
Ratings (26)
  • Total: 65 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yield: 8 to 12 Servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
630 Calories
29g Fat
89g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 12 Servings
Amount per serving
Calories 630
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 29g 38%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 125mg 42%
Sodium 605mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 89g 32%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Protein 8g
Calcium 95mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This applesauce cake is spiced perfectly with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping.  A small one-layer cake like this one is the perfect size for most families. The applesauce cake recipe is a surprisingly easy preparation.

The flavor, texture, and wonderful spice aroma remind me of a festive fruitcake. With the applesauce and melted butter, the cake is very moist. 

I used dried cranberries in the cake pictured, and I decorated the top with chopped walnuts. Toasted coconut would make a fabulous topping, too!

Ingredients

  • For the Cake
  • 2 cups/9 ounces all-purpose flour 
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 2 cups applesauce
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (sifted; about 1 pound)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Garnish: chopped walnuts

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, this cake is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.

Make the Applesauce Cake

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Heat the oven to 350 F (180 C/Gas 4). Butter and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.

  3. Sift flour into a mixing bowl with the granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Use a whisk or spoon to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly.

  4. Add the melted butter, applesauce, and the beaten egg and stir until the batter is well blended.

  5. Fold in the raisins and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Stir to blend.

  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

  7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.

  8. A toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.

  9. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes and then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.

Make the Frosting and Assemble

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese and butter. Beat until fluffy. 

  3. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time.

  4. Add about 1 tablespoon of milk and the vanilla. Beat, adding more milk if needed for a fluffy spreading consistency.

  5. Frost the top and sides of the cake and then sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts, if desired.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

  • Replace the homemade cream cheese frosting with a purchased tub of cream cheese or buttercream frosting.
  • Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the cake along with the raisins and walnuts.
  • Substitute dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or golden raisins for the raisins.
  • Substitute chopped pecans for the chopped walnuts in the cake and for garnish.

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