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Moist Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice of applesauce cake topped with thick, swirled frosting and dusted with cinnamon.
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This recipe delivers a truly moist, tender crumb, capturing the comforting flavors of old-fashioned spice baking. It is simple to make and perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert.

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 brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added)
  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  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, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until the batter is smooth; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
  11. Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped walnuts to the batter before pouring it into the pan.
  • If you prefer a simpler finish, dust the cooled cake heavily with powdered sugar instead of using the cream cheese frosting.
  • Using unsweetened applesauce helps control the overall sweetness of this spiced cake.

Nutrition

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