Can you put cinnamon in cream cheese frosting?

Yes, and you absolutely should! Cinnamon blends beautifully with the tangy flavor of cream cheese, giving your frosting a warm, spiced finish that pairs perfectly with apple-based cakes, pumpkin treats, and fall-inspired desserts. In this recipe, cinnamon cream cheese frosting is what ties the entire cake together. Just 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds incredible depth without overpowering the other flavors. Tip: Use high-quality ground cinnamon for the boldest flavor and best aroma.

What does adding applesauce to cake do?

Applesauce is a game-changer in baking. It serves three major functions: Keeps the cake moist without extra butter or oil Acts as a natural sweetener , reducing the need for added sugar Adds flavor and structure , making cakes softer and more tender That’s why it works so well in this applesauce cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting —you get flavor, moisture, and a better nutritional profile all in one.

Do you put cinnamon in applesauce?

Absolutely! Cinnamon and apples are a timeless pairing. Whether you’re making homemade applesauce or using store-bought, adding cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness and brings warmth to the flavor. In this recipe, even though the applesauce is mixed into the cake, cinnamon is added separately in the batter and frosting for extra spice throughout.

What flavor cake is best with cream cheese frosting?

Cream cheese frosting is incredibly versatile and pairs well with: Carrot cake Red velvet cake Pumpkin spice cake And of course, applesauce cake The slight tang of the cream cheese balances the sweetness in these richer cakes, while spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the frosting make it even more delicious. For fruit-forward and spiced bakes, cream cheese frosting is often the best choice. Want to explore other cakes that pair beautifully with this frosting? Check out our Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for another flavor-packed match.

Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting best

Description

This spiced applesauce snack cake is moist, naturally sweetened, and bursting with warm autumn spices. Topped with a light and fluffy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons!

Ingredients

Units Scale

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 extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in chopped nuts or raisins if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon with a hand or stand mixer for about 5 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
If your frosting is runny, continue whipping—it thickens as it incorporates more air.
This cake stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 260
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg