Delicious and Healthy Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting is naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and features warm spices and a protein-packed Greek yogurt 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!