This Apple Sheet Cake captures the essence of autumn with its rich, spiced flavors and moist texture. Made with a wholesome blend of applesauce, almond or oat milk, and a mix of comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake is a treat for the senses. Topped with a velvety cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Whether vegan or not, this cake can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences without losing its delightful charm.
Why You'll Love This: The cake's use of natural sweeteners and spices provides a depth of flavor that enhances the fresh taste of apples. It's incredibly moist, thanks to the applesauce and vegan butter, making every bite satisfyingly soft. The addition of rolled oats gives a slight chewiness that complements the smooth texture of the cake. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is not just an afterthought; it’s a creamy, spicy layer that melds wonderfully with the apple flavors.
Perfect Occasion: This Apple Sheet Cake is ideal for a variety of occasions, from fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations to casual afternoon teas. It's also a great choice for school functions or office parties, where its sheet cake form makes it easy to serve and share. Offering both vegan and non-vegan options makes it a versatile choice for accommodating different dietary needs.
Decoration Tips: For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the frosting. A dusting of cinnamon or decorative apple slices arranged on top before serving can also enhance its rustic appeal. If serving at a festive event, consider using themed cake toppers or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of decadence.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk (or regular milk if not vegan)
- ½ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
- 1 ½ cup regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz vegan cream cheese (or regular cream cheese if not vegan)
- 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with baking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, salt, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well.
- Add Flour and Oats: Gradually add the flour and oats to the mixture, stirring until a smooth batter is formed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center is fully risen and the edges are golden.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by mixing the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
- Serve: Frost the cooled cake. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy this spiced Apple Sheet Cake, a delightful treat that embodies the cozy flavors of fall!