This time of year, I like going through my pantry and using up things I canned last year before the new growing and canning season starts. This applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting is one of my favorite ways to use up apple sauce.
This simple spiced cake is incredibly moist thanks to the applesauce, while warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves give it that classic cozy flavor that makes it perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or an everyday dessert.
Studded with walnuts and sweet raisins, then topped with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is rich, nostalgic, and unbelievably satisfying.
Best of all, it’s an easy one-pan cake recipe that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake
- Super moist and tender texture
- Warm cinnamon spice flavor
- Easy one-pan dessert
- Classic old-fashioned recipe
- Perfect for fall baking or holidays
- Cream cheese frosting makes it extra decadent
This is the kind of cake that tastes even better the next day — if it lasts that long.
Ingredients
For the Applesauce Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup applesauce, room temperature
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Applesauce Cake
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Butter an 8-inch square baking pan, then lightly dust it with flour, shaking out the excess.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl whisk together:
- flour
- baking soda
- cinnamon
- allspice
- salt
- cloves
Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat:
- butter
- brown sugar
- granulated sugar
Beat on high speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Add applesauce and dry ingredients
Mix in the applesauce on low speed.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in:
- chopped walnuts
- raisins
5. Bake the cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl beat together:
- cream cheese
- butter
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add:
- confectioners’ sugar
- vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cake.
Cut into 6 generous pieces.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake
Use room temperature ingredients
This helps everything mix evenly and creates a softer cake texture.
Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Use unsweetened applesauce
This keeps the cake from becoming overly sweet.
Toast the walnuts first
Toasting nuts adds incredible flavor and crunch.
Variations
This applesauce cake is easy to customize.
Try adding:
- Pecans instead of walnuts
- Dried cranberries instead of raisins
- Chocolate chips
- Orange zest for brightness
You can also skip the frosting and simply dust the cake with powdered sugar for a lighter dessert.
Storage Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
You can also freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.
Other Baked Goods You’ll Love
They’re especially wonderful during fall and winter baking season.
Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This moist old-fashioned applesauce cake is packed with warm spices, walnuts, and raisins, then topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy nostalgic dessert that tastes like something straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Applesauce Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup applesauce
1 cup chopped walnuts
¾ cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and lightly dust with flour, shaking out any excess.
-
In a bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and cloves. Set aside.
-
In another bowl beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
-
Mix in the applesauce on low speed.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
-
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
-
Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Cream Cheese Frosting
-
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until creamy.
-
Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
-
Slice and serve.
Notes
For the best flavor, use unsweetened applesauce and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. The cake tastes even better the next day once the spices settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 MINS
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. The cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
You can, but the cake may be slightly sweeter.
Can I make this without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply omit the walnuts.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes. An 8×8 pan works best, but a 9-inch round pan will also work.
Final Thoughts
This old-fashioned applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting is the kind of comforting dessert that never goes out of style. With warm spices, tender crumb, and rich frosting, it’s perfect for cozy evenings, holiday tables, or anytime you want a simple homemade treat.
Once you make it, you’ll understand why recipes like this have been passed down for generations.
