Applesauce Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a whisk, beat the cake mix, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vegetable oil together until well mixed, about 2 minutes.15.25 ounces yellow cake mix,1½ cups unsweetened applesauce,3 large eggs,¼ cup vegetable oil
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Set aside.
In a separate small bowl, stir the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter together until well mixed.½ cup brown sugar,1 tablespoon ground cinnamon,3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Use a spoon to place small scoops of this brown sugar mixture evenly around the top of the cake.
Use a table knife to swirl this brown sugar mixture into the cake batter until it looks well combined.
Place cake in oven and bake for 26-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. The top of the cake should look lightly brown.
Let cake cool completely before frosting.

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat (on high) the powdered sugar, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.2½ cups powdered sugar,½ cup unsalted butter,⅓ cup brown sugar,1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract,1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Use a spatula to evenly coat top of cake with frosting.
Slice cake and serve.

You can use white or spice cake mix in place of the yellow cake mix.
In place of the vegetable oil, you can use any other neutral oil, such as canola, avocado, or coconut. Or, try melted butter!
You can use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
In place of the cinnamon, try using a pie spice blend!
Feel free to fold some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
You can also top this cake with cream cheese frosting, vanilla glaze, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Don’t use sweetened applesauce since the added sugars will make the cake too sweet!
Opt for a smooth applesauce rather than a chunky one.
You’ll want to mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter together just before you need them. You want the butter still to be melted (when mixed with the other swirl ingredients) so that the mixture swirls easily into the cake batter.

Storage: Store applesauce cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.