Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:

Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and Bake:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until light and fluffy.
Frost and Serve:

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Slice and serve this moist, spiced applesauce cake with its deliciously creamy frosting!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!