Name: Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup neutral-flavored oil; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons salted butter; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream; 1 cup toasted pecans (optional)

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

3/4 cup neutral-flavored oil

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons salted butter

3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream

1 cup toasted pecans, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and set aside. If using a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Avoid over mixing.

Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top springs back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: For the frosting, place the butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts, foams, and sizzles. Once the solids turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty, immediately remove from heat and pour into a medium bowl to stop cooking.

Step 8: Let the browned butter cool to room temperature and become sludgy in consistency, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 9: Using an electric mixer, add the softened cream cheese to the browned butter and mix until well combined, even if it looks curdled. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until mostly combined.

Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream; mix well.

Step 11: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed, scraping down the sides as needed. Add extra milk or cream to reach desired consistency. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and creamy.

Step 12: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted pecans if desired. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations

For more texture, fold chopped toasted pecans into the batter before baking.

If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add more cream to adjust.

Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable to let the spices shine without adding flavor.

Ensure the browned butter has cooled enough to prevent melting the cream cheese when mixing.

FAQs

Can I substitute applesauce with fresh apples?

Applesauce provides moisture and sweetness; fresh apples won’t have the same effect. For best results, use unsweetened applesauce as stated.

How do I know when the browned butter is done?

Watch for the butter solids to turn golden brown and smell nutty and caramel-like. Remove immediately to avoid burning, as it can go from browned to burnt quickly.