Julie Recipes
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups unsweetened applesauce (all-natural)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Mix these ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them in now.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand-held electric mixer), beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light, fluffy, and smooth.
Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Continue beating the frosting until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
Storage: Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Helpful Notes
Applesauce: Using unsweetened, all-natural applesauce is key. Sweetened applesauce might make the cake overly sweet.
Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love a stronger spice flavor, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or ginger.
Nuts: The chopped walnuts or pecans are optional but add a nice crunch to the cake. You can also substitute them with other nuts or even raisins.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Chef Ina Garten: “Always use room temperature eggs and dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese. This ensures they mix more evenly and create a smoother texture.”
Chef Mary Berry: “When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Over-mixing can result in a tough cake.”
Chef Nigella Lawson: “If you want a deeper flavor, try browning the butter for the frosting before mixing it with the cream cheese.”
