The Beach House Kitchen

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dog Treats
    • Ice Cream/Ice Pops
    • Main Dish
    • Pasta
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Sauces
    • Side Dish
    • Snacks
    • Soup
    • Sweets
    • Vegetarian
    • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Meet Mary Ann
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting

November 21, 2019 41 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. See my Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Jump to Recipe

This Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting is a one-layer cake WINNER! It’s perfect for the holiday season ahead!

A slice of applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting a a plate with a cake stand in background

One week and counting folks! The Thanksgiving holiday will be here before we know it. Brace yourselves!

I’m putting all the finishing touches on our holiday menu as I speak.

Today, I’m sharing our incredibly delicious dessert that’s sure to make the cap off to our 2019 Thanksgiving meal especially memorable. It’s that good guys! And SUPER easy which makes it even better in my book.

Overhead photo of applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting on a wooden board with two slices of cake on plates

This Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting is from one of my favorite magazines, Bake from Scratch! I can’t tell you how many recipes I’ve made from their magazine over the years. And they’ve all been spot on amazing!

I grew up enjoying an applesauce cake from a local orchard that my entire family adored, so when I saw this recipe in the magazine, I knew I’d have to try it.

It did not disappoint.

Applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting on a pink cakestand

I immediately zoned in on this recipe for another reason. It’s a one layer cake. You know I’m not especially talented when it comes to cake decorating. I know my limits. I push myself every now and then, but I leave the major cake decorating to those with skills. Lol!

This cake has double the vanilla flavor. The recipe calls for vanilla extract in the cake and vanilla bean paste in the frosting. I especially love the noticeable flecks of vanilla in the frosting. And they use cream cheese in the frosting which make it nice and velvety too. My fave!

Up close photo of a slice of applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting on a plate

The applesauce gives the cake an extra-tender crumb and a natural sweetness and a smidge of buttermilk adds a bit of tang.

I’m so excited to share this cake with family and friends at our Thanksgiving celebration this year. Hope you all give it a try too. Bet it will become a holiday favorite at your house too. Enjoy!

A few other favorite holiday desserts that are definitely worth a peek are my Mini Pumpkin Praline Upside Down Cakes, my Honey Pecan Bundt Cake, my Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake with Brown Sugar Ripple.

Collage of 4 photos of steps to make applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting

 

A Few Cook’s Notes for Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe:

Bake from Scratch Magazine uses vanilla bean paste in the frosting. I LOVE the flecks of vanilla it gives the frosting. If you do not have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute vanilla extract in an equal amount.

This recipe yields one 9-inch cake.

 

Overhead photo of applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting on a cake stand

 

5 from 16 votes
A slice of applesauce cake with vanilla bean frosting a a plate with a cake stand in background
Print
Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

This Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting is a one-layer cake WINNER! It's perfect for the holiday season ahead!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, layer cake, dessert
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 726 kcal
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Ingredients
Applesauce Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Vanilla Bean Frosting
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
Applesauce Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan with parchment. Spray the sides of the pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray with flour.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ginger and cloves together. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce, buttermilk, oil, eggs and the vanilla extract until well blended. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and fold in until combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.

  3. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire rack. Top cooled cake with vanilla bean frosting.

Vanilla Bean Frosting
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth at medium-low speed, about 2 minutes. Add the butter and beat for an additional 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the sifted confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Increase speed to medium-high and add vanilla paste and salt. Beat for 2 more minutes. Use immediately to frost cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts
Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Amount Per Serving
Calories 726 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 22g138%
Cholesterol 103mg34%
Sodium 511mg22%
Potassium 235mg7%
Carbohydrates 104g35%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 80g89%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 751IU15%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 113mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Adapted from Bake from Scratch Magazine September/October 2019 Magazine

BEFORE YOUR FIRST BITE, SNAP A PHOTO & SHARE!

If you make this recipe, I'd love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag #thebeachhousekitchen

Thanks so much!

Still Hungry? Don't miss a recipe! It's free!

You May Also Like...

Double Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-Tarts
Dutch Baby with Caramelized Peaches

Filed Under: Sweets Tagged With: applesauce, cake, dessert, holiday, one layer cake, Thanksgiving, vanilla bean frosting

« Easy Holiday Broccoli Casserole
Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars »

Comments

  1. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    November 21, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Bake from Scratch really does have the best recipes! This looks incredible–I love the pillowy frosting on top! I need to try it soon!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 9:10 am

      I LOVE their magazine Kelsie! This one is absolutely delicious! I’ve already made it a few times this fall!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    November 21, 2019 at 9:24 am

    Love everything about this! I am layer cake challenged as well, so I love single layer cakes like this and the applesauce with that beautiful frosting is calling my name :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 9:39 am

      I have no patience for cake decorating Jennifer! Simple one layer cakes are my jam! And this one is divine!

      Reply
  3. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    November 21, 2019 at 9:53 am

    I love single layer cakes, and this will definitely make an appearance during the holidays!! And that frosting? Forget about it!! Shared!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 10:02 am

      It’s so good Annie! Bet your family would love it. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef says

    November 21, 2019 at 10:03 am

    I have to look into getting the magazine Bake from Scratch. The cake looks great. I love all the vanilla flavor.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 10:14 am

      You’d LOVE it Gerlinde! It’s my favorite. I’ve made so many recipes over the years and have shared a few here on the blog and loved each and every one I’ve tried! Happy holidays!

      Reply
  5. Leanne says

    November 21, 2019 at 10:24 am

    Love baking with apple sauce and the texture of this cake looks incredible! I could eat that vanilla bean frosting right off the top too! Pinning and can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 10:26 am

      I know you’d just love it Leanne! Happy holidays!

      Reply
  6. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    November 21, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Well, first things first, I simply MUST disagree with you, Mare! You are incredibly talented at decorating baked goods!!! You want to see sad decorating skills? Come on over to my house. LOL! Now for this delicious beauty – YUM!!! I’ve never had an applesauce cake and I’m 10000000% sure I’ve been missing out! This looks and sounds absolutely scrumptious! I love that you paired it with Vanilla Bean Frosting! And, I too, love that it’s just one layer! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 11:19 am

      Lol! I just don’t have enough patience Chey! Bake from Scratch’s recipe is spot on delish! Hope you give it a try! And thanks so much for pinning!

      Reply
  7. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    November 21, 2019 at 11:17 am

    This cake is perfect for any celebratory meal! Apple and vanilla go so well together so I bet this cake tastes like a dream! Wish I had a big ol’ piece right now! Pinned! Happy weekend ahead, lovely :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 11:19 am

      Happy weekend to you too Dawn! Thanks so much for pinning!

      Reply
  8. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    November 21, 2019 at 11:22 am

    I applesauce cakes, Mary Ann – this is perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime really. I’d love a slice in the afternoon with a cup of tea. Applesauce really is a great baking secret – I use it in banana bread all the time. Love the tang of buttermilk as well!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      You’d would absolutely love this cake Geraldine! So moist and that frosting! Sooooo good! Gotta love Bake from Scratch Mag!

      Reply
  9. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    November 21, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    I think the majority of us prefer the one layer cakes, Mary Ann! It sure makes dessert less stressful, haha! I love the flavors of this one, and the story behind its inspiration too. I might need to make a double batch of that frosting, though, because I’d eat half of it in one go!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 5:30 pm

      Lol! I love one layer cakes Katherine! You’re right. So much less stressful!

      Reply
  10. Matt - Total Feasts says

    November 21, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    This is soooo my kind of cake. I love Apple and vanilla, they just make me want to sit down with a cup of coffee and relax!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 21, 2019 at 8:25 pm

      You would really enjoy it Matt!

      Reply
  11. Kris Hopper says

    November 21, 2019 at 9:27 pm

    I was wondering if I use homemade sweetened applesauce, should I cut the sugar out or cut it down to 1/2 cup of sugar. And can i use a 9×13 pan instead of a springform pan? Would like to give this recipe a try!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:00 am

      Hi Kris.I have actually used sweetened applesauce and unsweetened in this recipe and I kept the sugar quantity the same in both cases and the cake turned out delicious. You could use a 9x9x2 inch pan or even make cupcakes. keep the oven at the same temp, but just keep your eye on the time to make sure you don’t over bake. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!! It’s a winner!

      Reply
  12. sherry says

    November 22, 2019 at 1:03 am

    i adore vanilla bean paste and the gorgeous flecks. yummo! this cake sounds delicious, and i love lots of frosting.. cheers sherry

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:06 am

      It’s so incredibly yummy! I’m so excited to share it on Thanksgiving day! Happy holidays Sherry and thanks so much for following along here at the BHK!

      Reply
  13. 2pots2cook says

    November 22, 2019 at 2:36 am

    Completely agree: apple (sauce )and vanilla cannot disappoint at all ! definitely keeping :-)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:06 am

      Hope you give it a go Davorka!

      Reply
  14. Kelly | Foodtasia says

    November 22, 2019 at 6:31 am

    What a dreamy cake, Mary Ann! Between the applesauce and that creamy frosting – YUM! I love one layer cakes, too. They’re much more snackable and the easy frosting that doesn’t require any decorating skills – because I don’t have them either – is right up my alley!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Lol! One layer cakes are my jam Kelly! No chance to mess them up because they’re easy peasy! Hope you give this one a go!

      Reply
  15. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    November 22, 2019 at 8:14 am

    Mary Ann – this looks so delicious. The applesauce adds so much flavor and helps keep the cake moist. And I’m all about that frosting! This is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:08 am

      t really is Kathy! We LOVE it! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

      Reply
  16. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    November 22, 2019 at 9:33 am

    Double the vanilla? You know I’m in Mare! Those vanilla bean flex have my heart! No doubt a one layer cake is so much less fussy than a layer cake. Too, it’s just more practical for holiday gatherings! I love Bake From Scratch too – SO much inspiration and FUN! I love how you’ve highlighted their applesauce cake.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      Thanks Traci! This one was so delicious. With all the work that goes into the big meal, I need and easy dessert! Have a Happy Thanksgiving Traci!

      Reply
  17. Marissa says

    November 22, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    This is a stunner of a cake, Mary Ann! Loving that fluffy, mile high frosting…pure heaven. A perfect treat to round out a Thanksgiving feast!

    Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend! xo

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks so much Marissa! The best of Thanksgivings to you too!!

      Reply
  18. Amanda says

    November 30, 2019 at 8:43 am

    Wonderful cake Mary Ann! I took it to my in-laws to eat after we left Thanksgiving. It will be perfect for them to nibble with their coffee &/or friends at their senior home. I wish I made two! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      December 1, 2019 at 11:51 am

      So happy you gave it a try Amanda! We enjoyed ours too! Thanks so much for following and Happy Holiday Season!

      Reply
  19. Cassye says

    November 1, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    Hello, I’m so looking forward to making this for my family this upcoming holiday…but I would love to hear your thoughts on making this a two-layer cake with an apple pie filling.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      November 1, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      This is one of my fall favorites Cassye! You could definitely make two different layers. And an apple pie filling sounds delicious! You could make your own homemade apple pie filling or grab some store-bought. Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  20. ashok says

    December 23, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Guys, Thanks For sharing this Great Recipe. My Family Loved it. I am definitely sharing this recipe and this website with my friend. Hope they also love it. Thank you again for sharing such a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      December 24, 2020 at 9:07 am

      You’re so welcome! So happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars says:
    November 25, 2019 at 6:30 am

    […] year for dessert, we’ll be enjoying the Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting I shared here last Thursday, if you missed it you NEED to check it out, and without a doubt, these […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

welcome to the BHK

Hey there folks! I'm Mary Ann. Welcome to The Beach House Kitchen. Here at the BHK it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food. Read More

NEVER MISS A POST!

follow me

What’s In Season

Overhead photo of plate with slices of Irish Soda Bread, butter in a small round dish and a silver knife.

Irish Soda Bread

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy

Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Cheesecakes

Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Cheesecakes

Still Hungry? Don't miss a recipe!

Sign up to have new recipes delivered straight to your inbox, for free!

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are NEW on the blog Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are NEW on the blog this morning folks! And PERFECT with a tall glass of milk! 🥛 ⁣Who wants one??⁣
Grab the recipe in my profile and bake a batch this weekend. They’re kid and adult approved! Happy Thursday. 😘⁣
⁣

⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen #dessert⁣⁣⁣ #foodtography #feedfeed #f52grams #thebakefeed #thekitchn #cookies #peanutbuttercookies #bakedfromscratch #damnthatsdelish #marthabakes #wsbakeclub #eatpretty #foodphotography #instayummy #foodblogfeed #TOHfoodie #foodblogeats #inmykitchen #forthemaking #sweeeeets #bakersofinstagram  #bakinglove #heresmyfood #baking #tastingtable #shareyourtable #baker #f52community
Looking for a little cup of comfort on this chilly Looking for a little cup of comfort on this chilly day?? My Italian Wedding soup is a blog favorite and sure to hit the spot!⁣
It’s loaded with spinach, carrots, celery, fresh dill, pasta and of course, the star of the show, mini meatballs! ⁣
Grab your soup pot, bowl and spoon and it’s time to get cookin’ guys! I’ve linked the recipe for you in my profile. Have a great day!⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #soup #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #bhgfood #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #IGeats #meatballs #italianweddingsoup
We made it to Friday folks! That calls for cake! 🍰⁣
⁣
Glazed Almond Pound Cake is on the menu today. It’s moist and fluffy and the perfect easy dessert to add to your weekend baking list.⁣
⁣
Pound cakes are super simple, don’t create a huge mess in your kitchen and require only a handful of ingredients. They can be served plain, glazed, with ice cream or fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries. ⁣
⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope you give it a try this weekend. Happy Friday! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣#thebeachhousekitchen #dessert⁣⁣⁣ #foodtography #feedfeed #f52grams #thebakefeed #thekitchn #poundcake #bakedfromscratch #damnthatsdelish #marthabakes #foodandwine #wsbakeclub #eatpretty #foodphotography #instayummy #foodblogfeed #TOHfoodie #foodblogeats #inmykitchen #forthemaking #sweeeeets #bakersofinstagram  #bakinglove #heresmyfood #baking #tastingtable #shareyourtable #baker #f52community
Who’s up for a super delicious, super easy sheet Who’s up for a super delicious, super easy sheet pan meal for dinner tonight??⁣
This Jerk Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Sausage, Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts is NEW on the blog this morning and you don’t want to miss it folks! So much flavor! And all on one sheet pan so clean up is easy peasy! ⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Grab it and get cooking! Happy Thursday. 😘⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #chickenrecipes #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #sheetpandinner #jerkchicken  #thenewhealthy #healthyeating
Roasted Asian Cauliflower and Carrots folks! It’ Roasted Asian Cauliflower and Carrots folks! It’s NEW on the blog this morning and perfect as a side or coarsely chopped and served up in little lettuce cups for lunch or dinner for #MeatlessMonday 😋⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope y’all have an awesome week! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen #feedfeed #f52grams #cauliflowerrecipes #vegetarianrecipes #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats  #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #LoveFood #foodie #eatmoreplants #healthyfoodie #heathyrecipes #thenewhealthy
Another ultra-comforting soup on the menu today fo Another ultra-comforting soup on the menu today folks! ⁣
⁣
This African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew is loaded with sweet potatoes, onion, red bell pepper and garlic and it’s just bursting with flavor! It’s got some ginger, cumin, brown sugar for sweetness and cayenne for some added heat. Topped with some peanuts and crusty homemade croutons for added crunch and this one’s sure to be a crowd favorite.⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope you give it a go! Happy Saturday! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #soup #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #bhgfood #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #IGeats #IGfoodies #f52community
Instagram

COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN
DEVELOPED BY JENNIFER ANDREW

HOMEABOUTCONTACTPRESSPRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2021 · The Beach House Kitchen Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress