This applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect blend of natural sweetness, warm spices, and creamy decadence, all crafted to support your health goals. It’s light, tender, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey—no refined sugar here! Every bite bursts with fall-inspired flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and that irresistibly smooth cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level.
We developed this recipe to balance nutritious ingredients with indulgent, bakery-style taste. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert, a sweet treat for your family, or a refined sugar-free option that still satisfies, this cake checks all the boxes. It’s one of our most-loved creations, and after one slice, you’ll understand why!
Why This Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Is Good for You
- Refined sugar-free: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey for steady energy without blood sugar spikes.
- Whole grain option: Swap in white whole wheat flour for extra fiber to fuel your digestion.
- Loaded with antioxidants: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves pack a punch of anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Protein-packed frosting: Greek yogurt in the frosting adds a creamy texture while boosting protein content.
- Customizable options: This cake can be easily adapted for gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets.
Wholesome Ingredients for This Applesauce Cake
Here’s what makes this easy homemade applesauce cake so nourishing:
- Unsweetened applesauce: Naturally moist and sweet, applesauce replaces extra fat while adding a boost of fiber and vitamins.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener packed with minerals like manganese and antioxidants. You can also use honey if you prefer.
- Avocado oil: A heart-healthy fat with a high smoke point, perfect for baking moist cakes without compromising flavor.
- Greek yogurt: This star ingredient in the frosting delivers creaminess and a dose of protein and probiotics for gut health.
Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at a Glance
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full fat)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup or honey, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. For the best results, spread the top smooth.
- Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack until completely cooled.
- For the frosting, blend the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer. Whip on medium speed for 5 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!
How to Customize This Applesauce Cake for Your Diet
- Gluten-free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Though we haven’t tested it, readers report success with this substitution.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and a dairy-free frosting alternative.
- Dairy-free: Skip the frosting entirely or use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt substitutes.
- Lower calorie: Reduce the oil to 2 tablespoons and replace the rest with unsweetened applesauce.
- Nut-free: Simply omit nuts from the batter to make this cake nut-free.
FAQs About Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
How do I store leftovers?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I make this cake ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving for optimal freshness.
Is this a healthy applesauce cake without refined sugar?
Yes! This recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier option for dessert.
How can I add more protein?
Use a high-protein Greek yogurt in the frosting and top the cake with chopped nuts for an additional protein boost.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
Of course! While we love the creamy cinnamon flavor of this homemade frosting, a store-bought version works as a convenient alternative.
This applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and satisfying indulgence. What’s your favorite way to enjoy healthier desserts? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Delicious and Healthy Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full fat)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup or honey, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. For the best results, spread the top smooth.
- Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack until completely cooled.
- For the frosting, blend the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer. Whip on medium speed for 5 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!