Indulge in the quintessential flavors of autumn with our irresistibly moist and perfectly spiced applesauce cake, crowned with a luscious, sweet cream cheese frosting. This rustic one-layer wonder is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall, promising a tender crumb and heartwarming taste in every bite.
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts and autumn lovers! As the leaves begin their magnificent transformation and a crisp, inviting chill fills the air, we officially welcome the first week of fall. For many, this season signifies a time of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, a delightful surge in baking. If you’ve been a long-time reader, you’ll know that autumn holds a special place in my heart – it’s undeniably my favorite season, brimming with so much inspiration and joy. To kick off my annual fall baking festivities, I decided to dive into a recipe that embodies everything I adore about this time of year: a charmingly rustic, single-layer buttermilk applesauce cake.
There’s an undeniable magic that accompanies the arrival of fall, transforming our kitchens into havens of comforting aromas. From cinnamon and nutmeg to apple and pumpkin, these scents are more than just fragrances; they’re invitations to slow down, savor the moment, and create cherished memories. This year, my baking journey begins with a cake that captures the very essence of autumn. It’s simple, heartwarming, and utterly delicious – a perfect treat to enjoy as the days grow shorter and the evenings become opportunities for warmth and connection. This buttermilk applesauce cake is designed to be effortlessly delicious, allowing you to embrace the season’s bounty without spending hours in the kitchen.
My cherished fall traditions always begin with the quintessential experience of apple picking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about gathering your own ingredients directly from the source. Over the years, this tradition has beautifully evolved. Before becoming a mom, apple picking was often a relaxed affair with girlfriends at renowned Upstate NY orchards like Beak & Skiff, where the adventure often culminated in delightful wine tasting at their historic 1911 brewery. Today, with little ones in tow, the focus has shifted to family-friendly farms bursting with activities, transforming a simple apple run into a vibrant afternoon excursion. For my New York readers, Abbott’s Farm in Baldwinsville remains a firm favorite, offering endless fun for the whole family.
Even though we’ve since moved, the allure of our annual apple picking pilgrimage back to Syracuse remains strong. It’s a tradition that my toddler, Elliott, now eagerly anticipates, especially when it means joining forces with his best pal. Watching their little hands reach for the ripest apples, their faces alight with excitement, is a joy that truly defines the season for me. It’s more than just collecting fruit; it’s about nurturing traditions, fostering friendships, and creating a lifetime of sweet memories against the vibrant backdrop of fall foliage.
Of course, the delightful challenge after a successful haul of 20 pounds of apples is figuring out how to transform them into delicious treats! My immediate go-to is always a large batch of homemade applesauce, which I meticulously prepare in the slow cooker. This method is wonderfully hands-off and results in a rich, deeply flavored sauce that I then can to enjoy throughout the year. I’ve realized I haven’t yet shared my simple slow cooker applesauce recipe, but rest assured, it’s coming soon! It’s an incredibly easy process that yields the most delicious, wholesome applesauce you’ll ever taste. Once my pantry is stocked with jars of applesauce, I turn my attention to other beloved apple creations. My all-time favorite apple pie recipe often makes an appearance, alongside charming little apple hand pies, perfect for a grab-and-go autumn treat. These recipes ensure that not a single precious apple from our picking adventure goes to waste.
This year, however, I found myself with an abundance of applesauce but a shortage of canning jars! This happy predicament led me to explore new baking avenues, and I remembered a particular applesauce cake recipe I had pinned last year, eager to try. It was the perfect opportunity to bring that rustic, one-layer apple cake to life, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This cake calls for a generous amount of homemade applesauce, combined with the subtle tang and incredible tenderness that buttermilk imparts. What truly sets this recipe apart is its sheer simplicity; you don’t even need an electric mixer to achieve a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. A simple whisk and a bowl are all it takes, making it an ideal choice for impromptu baking or when you simply crave a fuss-free, comforting dessert.
The resulting cake is everything you could wish for in a fall treat: incredibly moist, with a beautifully tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The medley of warm spices – cinnamon, ginger, and cloves – creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the sweetness of the applesauce, evoking the true spirit of autumn. It’s a truly comforting cake, making it an absolute must-add to your fall baking repertoire. This cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the season, to gather with loved ones, and to create moments of warmth and happiness.
As we delve deeper into this beautiful new season, let’s make a conscious effort to slow down, breathe, and truly savor every moment. Engage in activities that bring you genuine joy and share those experiences with the people who matter most. For me, few things compare to the simple pleasure of baking fall treats and sharing them. It’s a practice that fills my home with delightful aromas and my heart with contentment, and I fully intend to indulge in it often! This buttermilk applesauce cake is just the beginning of what promises to be a delicious and memorable autumn. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your home with the comforting scent of fall.
Buttermilk Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Frosting
This rustic one-layer applesauce cake is incredibly moist with a tender crumb and perfectly spiced for fall. Topped with a heavenly cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
30 minutes
50 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Whipped Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3-4 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with a parchment paper circle. Lightly grease both the parchment and the sides of the pan with baking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, and ground cloves until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: light brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, vegetable oil, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop once no flour streaks remain to ensure a tender cake.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared 9-inch round pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula if needed. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Ensure the cake is fully cool before frosting.
- To prepare the frosting, place the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. Start on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium-high. Beat for 4-5 minutes until the frosting is whipped, airy, and light.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon whipped frosting generously over the top. You can use an offset spatula to create beautiful swirls or a smooth finish. Slice and serve!
Notes
Recipe adapted from Land O’Lakes.
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, butter) are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps them combine smoothly and evenly.
Homemade unsweetened applesauce will yield the best flavor, but store-bought unsweetened applesauce works wonderfully too. Adjust the brown sugar slightly if using sweetened applesauce.
This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
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