5 10 Published Aug 30, 2024, Updated Oct 02, 2024 This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the applesauce and is jam-packed with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. And don’t even get me started on the cinnamon cream cheese frosting… it complements the spiced cake perfectly and is definitely the best part, IMO! I can’t wait for you to try this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Sweetened – Sweetened with pure maple syrup and applesauce, this cake skips the refined sugars but still delivers plenty of sweetness. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for Fall – The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves gives this cake a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter. Delicious – It’s moist, fluffy and the applesauce spice cake paired with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting is chef’s kiss! Easy to Make – It’s such a simple dessert to whip up for any occasion! You just need about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of bake time.
all-purpose or white whole wheat flour – this forms the base of your cake. I love using white whole wheat flour for a bit of added nutrition while still keeping the texture light and fluffy, but regular all-purpose flour works too. baking soda and baking powder – these work together to give your cake the perfect rise, making it light and airy. cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – these warm spices giving this cake that perfectly cozy, spiced flavor that pairs so well with the applesauce. unsweetened applesauce – the star of the show! Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, keeping it tender and delicious. You can use store-bought or make homemade applesauce (which tastes way better, IMO!). pure maple syrup or honey – pick your favorite natural sweetener depending on if you want your cake to have a subtle honey flavor or maple flavor. If using maple, make sure you’re using pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup as that’s loaded with corn syrup and additives. avocado oil – a healthy fat that keeps the cake moist without overpowering the other flavors. You can also use melted coconut oil, butter or any neutral oil you prefer. eggs – help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure. cinnamon cream cheese frosting – the combo of the fall spices + cream cheese is pure perfection. I used my healthy cream cheese frosting recipe as the base and then added cinnamon!
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
More Apple Recipes
Healthy Apple Muffins Apple Nachos with Date Caramel Sauce Healthy Apple Crisp Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Baked Apple Cider Donuts Healthy Apple Samoas
vanilla buttercream – use a store-bought buttercream or make this easy vanilla buttercream frosting at home. You can still add cinnamon for a spiced buttercream frosting. chocolate – if you’re a chocolate lover, consider topping this cake with a rich chocolate frosting. Use store-bought or make this simple homemade healthy chocolate frosting. simple glaze – if you prefer something less rich you could top the cake with melted coconut butter or make a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract and a little milk. powdered sugar – for the simplest topping, a dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors. This is ideal if you’re short on time or ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers
After letting your cake cool completely, you can keep it on the counter for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To ensure that the cake stays fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container.
