Low Sugar Classic Applesauce Cake

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time40 min

This spiced sheet cake leans on unsweetened applesauce for moisture, keeping every bite tender and dense without ever feeling heavy. Warm notes of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg run through the crumb, and a handful of raisins folded into the batter adds little pockets of chew if you want them. The frosting starts with butter browned until it turns deep and nutty, then whipped smooth with cream cheese for a tangy, rich topping that spreads easily over the cooled cake. A scatter of chopped walnuts or pecans on top brings a little crunch to contrast all that soft, spiced cake underneath. Baked in a simple 9x13 pan and cut into squares, it's an easy make-ahead dessert that holds up well for a crowd. This one is a great fit for an added sugar free kitchen, letting the fruit and spice do the heavy lifting on flavor.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
½ cup packed light brown sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Brown-sugar replacements vary in moisture, spread, and browning, so follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
2 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (optional)

For the frosting

4 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

For serving

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

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