Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
5
Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
The Applesauce Spice Cake incorporates a range of ground warm spices blended into all-purpose flour, providing aromatic depth. Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and a mild fruitiness without extra fat, working alongside eggs and neutral-flavored oil to achieve a tender and moist texture. Both granulated and light brown sugars bring sweetness and mild caramel notes.
Baked in a greased pan until the top springs back and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs, the cake has a soft crumb that balances spice and apple flavors. Once cooled, it's covered with brown butter cream cheese frosting prepared by slowly melting butter until it turns golden with toasted notes, then mixing it with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream for spreading consistency.
The frosting adds richness and a slight tanginess from the cream cheese that complements the cake's spices. The optional addition of toasted pecans introduces crunch and more nutty flavor.
Adjustments in sugar amounts may be needed if substituting sweetened applesauce to balance overall sweetness.
Ingredients
Applesauce Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups applesauce unsweetened
- 2 large egg
- ¾ cup neutral-flavored oil
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons butter salted
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 cup pecan toasted, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch metal baking pan and set aside. (If using a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.)
- For the cake, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Don't over mix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top springs back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, place the butter in a light-colored skillet or pan over medium heat. As it continues to cook, it will foam and sizzle. Once melted, the butter will begin to foam and sizzle around the edges. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to keep it from burning. As it cooks, the butter solids will begin to brown and it will smell caramelly and nutty. Watch closely so it doesn't burn. Once the solids are golden brown, immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the butter into a medium bowl to stop the cooking.
- Let the butter cool until room temperature and sludgy in consistency, 20-30 minutes.
- Using an electric handheld mixer (or transfer the butter to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), add the softened cream cheese to the butter and mix until well-combined. It will look curdled; that's ok. Add one cup of the powdered sugar and mix until mostly combined.
- Add the vanilla, two tablespoons of milk or cream and mix.
- Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add additional milk or cream to adjust the consistency, if needed. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until very thick and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted pecans, if desired. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness; if using sweetened, reduce the added sugar accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving | |
| Calories | 467kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 356mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 46g | 92% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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