If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, utterly comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with fall spices and enriched by the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce, all topped with a luxuriously creamy maple buttercream that brings everything together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a slice of something truly special, this cake is easy to whip up and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds several white bowls and a white plate with ingredients neatly arranged for baking. At the top left, a bowl filled with white flour shows a soft, powdery texture. Next to it on the right, a bowl contains a smooth amber liquid labeled maple syrup. To the right again, a bowl holds a thick yellow-orange apple sauce with a smooth surface. Below the flour, a gold-wrapped block of butter rests on the surface. In the middle, a bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar contrasts with a smooth white sugar bowl next to it. On the right side, a white speckled bowl contains white baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a fine texture. At the bottom left, a bowl holds brown dry spices labeled cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice, with a slightly grainy texture. Near it, a small container has a pale almond milk liquid. Two white eggs lie near the bottom right, close to a small white cup with water inside. All items are evenly spaced and clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each component in this Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the simple pantry staples to the aromatic spices, every ingredient has a purpose — making the cake moist, flavorful, and topped with frosting that’s smooth and sweet with a touch of maple magic.

1/2 cup butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
1 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a moist texture.
1/2 cup water: Keeps the batter smooth and helps blend flavors.
2 cups unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making this cake wonderfully soft.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
2 1/2 cups flour: The base that holds the cake’s shape.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a tender crumb.
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic applesauce for lightness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses that warm, familiar spice note we all love.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a deep, aromatic hint.
1/2 teaspoon allspice: Brings complexity to the spice blend.
1/2 cup butter (room temperature, for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious base for the frosting.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Gives the frosting its signature sweet, maple flavor.
1 tablespoon milk of choice: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting while keeping it light.

How to Make Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Lightly flour the pan to ensure your cake will come out cleanly after baking. These simple prep steps lay the foundation for a cake that’s easy to enjoy without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process helps incorporate air into the batter, which will keep your cake light and tender. Don’t rush this step—it sets the stage for your cake’s texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the applesauce, water, and eggs to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix again on medium speed until everything is well combined. It’s totally normal if the mixture looks a bit clumpy at this point; the applesauce adds moisture but changes the batter’s texture slightly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out for an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Make the Maple Buttercream Frosting

While your cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up that crowd-pleasing frosting. Beat the room-temperature butter in your stand mixer on high speed until it’s completely smooth. Then add powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting becomes fluffy, light, and silky smooth. This frosting is the perfect counterpoint to the spiced cake.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the maple buttercream evenly over your cooled cake using a rubber spatula. Take your time and aim for a smooth, even layer that covers every inch. Cut the cake into 16 generous pieces, and if you want to get extra fancy, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get ready for big smiles around the table!

How to Serve Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A single large rectangular brown cake with a smooth and slightly textured golden-brown top layer, filling a white ceramic baking dish with handles on each side, placed on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this cake look even more inviting, consider a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch. Freshly grated nutmeg or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting creates a cozy, aromatic touch that complements the cake’s spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, coffee with cream, or even a hot apple cider. For a dinner party or holiday gathering, serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage plates to bring that homey vibe to your table. You can also cut the cake into smaller squares for bite-sized treats at a potluck or party. If you want to wow your guests visually, drizzle a little warm maple syrup over each slice just before serving for a glossy, sweet finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To keep the frosting fresh and creamy, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

Freezing

Want to save cake for later? You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. If you choose to freeze it without frosting, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the frosting and makes the cake taste freshly baked. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt too much and become messy.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

It’s best to use unsweetened applesauce for this recipe so you can control the overall sweetness of the cake. Using sweetened applesauce might make the cake overly sweet and affect the texture.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the frosting?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind each brings its own distinct flavor, so your frosting will taste a little different but still delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

How long does the frosting last once made?

Freshly made maple buttercream frosting is best used immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewhip slightly before spreading if it thickens.

Can I turn this cake into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Scoop the batter evenly into lined muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The frosting recipe works perfectly for cupcakes as well.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe a try—it’s one of those cakes that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying a slice with your favorite cup of tea. The harmony of spice, apple, and creamy maple frosting is a match made in dessert heaven, and baking it is such a joyful experience. Trust me, once it’s on your table, it’ll quickly become a treasured classic in your recipe collection.