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Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x

Description

This Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Infused with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, the cake uses applesauce for moisture and a hint of natural sweetness, while the brown butter cream cheese frosting adds a rich, nutty depth that perfectly complements the spice cake. Optional toasted pecans add a lovely crunch to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 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

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass pan). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the applesauce, eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined and no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness by pressing gently on top (it should spring back) and confirming with a toothpick inserted into the center which should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  7. Brown the Butter: In a light-colored skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir occasionally as it foams and sizzles until the solids turn golden brown and emit a nutty, caramel aroma. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a medium bowl to stop the cooking.
  8. Cool Browned Butter: Let the browned butter cool to room temperature until it thickens and becomes sludge-like, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  9. Mix Frosting Base: Using an electric mixer, blend the cooled browned butter with softened cream cheese until well combined. The mixture may look curdled, which is normal. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until mostly incorporated.
  10. Flavor and Thin Frosting: Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream; mix to combine.
  11. Finish Frosting: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add additional milk or cream to achieve a thick, creamy consistency, mixing for 1 to 2 minutes more.
  12. Frost Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted pecans. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

  • If using a glass baking pan, reduce oven temperature to 325°F to prevent overbaking.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake moist and tender.
  • Watch the butter closely during browning to avoid burning; remove immediately when solids are golden brown.
  • Frosting may appear curdled initially but will smooth out as powdered sugar is incorporated.
  • Adjust milk or cream in frosting to get your preferred spreading consistency.
  • Toasted pecans add texture and flavor but can be omitted for nut allergies.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: applesauce spice cake, brown butter cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, moist spice cake, toasted pecans, easy spice cake recipe

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Find it online: https://aromaofgrandma.com/applesauce-spice-cake-with-brown-butter-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/