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Old-Fashioned Amish Applesauce Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a thick slice of moist applesauce cake layered with cream cheese frosting on a white plate.
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Bake this incredibly moist applesauce cake, packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy, nostalgic recipe delivers a tender, fluffy crumb perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix on low speed 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 sheet cake, or 30 to 35 minutes for layer cakes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated.
  12. Beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
  13. Spread the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an Old Fashioned Cake that tastes like Grandma’s, use unsweetened applesauce to control the final sweetness.
  • If you prefer a simpler finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of using frosting.
  • This cake freezes well unfrosted for up to three months.

Nutrition

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