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Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, and sweetened naturally with unsweetened applesauce, this cake is topped with a light and fluffy maple buttercream that adds a creamy sweetness. Ideal for fall gatherings or a comforting treat, this easy-to-make cake comes together in under an hour and yields 16 generous servings.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice

Maple Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk of choice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan using butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and sugar. Cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the unsweetened applesauce, water, and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is well incorporated, even if the butter looks slightly clumpy.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, measure and mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare Maple Buttercream Frosting: Once the cake has cooled, add the room temperature butter to the stand mixer bowl. Beat on high speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating on high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes fluffy, smooth, and light in color.
  7. Frost the Cake: Pour the maple buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Use a rubber spatula to spread the frosting into a smooth, even layer covering the entire surface of the cake.
  8. Serve: Cut the cake into 16 pieces. Serve as is, or optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Enjoy your delicious spiced apple cake!

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and milk of choice in the frosting.
  • Adjust the spices to taste – add more cinnamon or cloves for a stronger spice flavor.
  • Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/applesauce-spice-cake-with-maple-buttercream-frosting-recipe/