🍎 Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl 🍎
Ingredients
For the Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp fine sea salt
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (no added sugar)
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp lemon zest (optional, brightens flavor)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, milk, vinegar, and lemon zest (if using). Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly aerated.
Combine Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix—batter will be thick but pourable.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lump-free (~2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high for 1 minute. If too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
Frost & Serve: Once cake is fully cooled, frost generously between layers (if splitting) or on top only. For extra flair, pipe swirls using a star tip or sprinkle lightly with additional cinnamon. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
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