Name: Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (room temperature); 1 1/3 cups sugar; 1/2 cup water; 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 2 eggs; 2 1/2 cups flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 cup butter (room temperature); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon milk of choice; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 294 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you have to try this Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe. It brings together the natural sweetness and moistness of applesauce with a perfect blend of warming spices, all topped with a luxuriously smooth and rich maple buttercream frosting. This cake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also straightforward enough to whip up any day of the week, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds three layers of ingredients: the outer ring is a pale yellow, crumbly mixture, inside it is a smoother, slightly darker yellow batter, and at the center rest two raw egg yolks sitting in a small pool of translucent liquid. All the textures appear soft and moist, with the crumbly layer forming a thick border around the smoother batter and eggs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds its own magic—whether it’s the creamy butter for richness, the spices for warmth, or the applesauce that keeps the cake irresistibly moist and tender.

Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides creamy richness and helps the cake stay tender.
Sugar (1 1/3 cups): Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
Water (1/2 cup): Adds moisture to create a soft crumb.
Unsweetened applesauce (2 cups): The star of the recipe, adding natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cake.
Flour (2 1/2 cups): The essential base for the cake’s texture.
Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise gently.
Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Works with the applesauce for perfect leavening.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the sweet and spicy ingredients.
Cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon): Adds warm, familiar spice notes.
Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a potent, aromatic warmth.
Allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
Butter for frosting (1/2 cup, room temperature): Ensures the maple buttercream is smooth and creamy.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a deep, natural sweetness to the frosting.
Milk of choice (1 tablespoon): Lightens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors in the frosting.
Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Creates the silky, sweet base of the frosting.

How to Make Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray so your cake comes out beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb and a light texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the applesauce, water, and eggs to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if the butter looks slightly clumpy at this point; it will all come together in the next step.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices—cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This blend infuses the cake with that cozy spice flavor you love in fall and all year long.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake dense, so stop once you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Fully

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. A cool cake won’t cause the frosting to melt, which is key to that perfect, even layer of maple buttercream.

Step 8: Make the Maple Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt, and keep beating for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is luxuriously light and creamy.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a rubber spatula. Slice into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy slices that are bursting with flavor and fall spices.

How to Serve Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A square piece of cake with one layer of light brown spongy texture at the bottom and a smooth layer of off-white frosting on top, sprinkled lightly with brown powder. The cake is placed on a white speckled plate with a silver spoon holding a bite-sized piece of the cake with frosting, resting beside it. In the background, there is another similar square piece of cake on a white speckled plate, a small white bowl with a yellow sauce, and two cinnamon sticks on a crinkled white cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The cake is already stunning on its own, but you can enhance it with some light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top as garnish. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake and silky frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. If you prefer a warm beverage, a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider complements the spice notes perfectly, turning your dessert into an all-around cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual square slices topped with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a small spoonful of caramel sauce. Arrange the cake squares on a wooden board garnished with fresh apple wedges and cinnamon sticks for an inviting seasonal dessert platter that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake stores wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it extra moist, you can also cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake slices keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact and the cake moist.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will make the cake sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly for balance.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and you should get delicious results.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the maple buttercream frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

Don’t stress! If you are missing some, cinnamon alone is a great base, and you can experiment by adding a little nutmeg or ginger to keep that warm spice profile.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top will be lightly golden, and the cake will also start to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making and sharing this Easy Applesauce Spice Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe. It’s approachable, packed with cozy flavors, and offers that wonderful homemade feel that everyone appreciates. Whether it’s a special occasion or a midweek treat, this cake brings pure joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every delicious bite!