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Easy Applesauce Spice Cakes baked up in mini springform pans then iced with Browned Butter Cinnamon Buttercream frosting.
When I was a young woman just starting out on my own, I’d often make Applesauce Spice Cake as my easy go-to dessert. I baked it in a 13×9 inch pan and added a dollop of Cool Whip on top. It was so soft and light and tasted of cinnamon and allspice. Duncan Hines really does have a good cake mix! But times have changed and now homemade is preferred over boxed or store bought. Dessert should be special so why waste calories and fat grams on something full of preservatives and artificial ingredients?
I’ve often looked for a good homemade recipe that would rival my favorite Duncan Hines Spice Cake mix. But, I don’t need a big giant cake hanging around the house calling my name … “Tricia – come have another piece of cake!” Does your food call you too? I hope so – or I’m feeling a little awkward right now! Sometimes when trying a new recipe I’ll make a smaller version as a test run. This was a good test run for and a winning recipe for Mini Applesauce Spice Cakes with Browned Butter Cinnamon Buttercream.
This recipe makes four 4-inch cakes perfect for an individual serving or stacked for a pretty presentation and big enough for sharing. The cake is moist and light, not at all dense. The cinnamon and allspice really shine!
I have six 4-inch springform pans that are perfectly wonderful for a lot of things. They make nice little cheesecakes, tarts, pies and now little cakes. These remind me of the cakes I made with my Easy Bake Oven, a long time ago. Did you have one too? I was a baker-wanna-be at a very young age.
Mini cakes are perfect for gifting too! Who could say no to a cute little bitty cake?
Thanks for Pinning!
Mini Applesauce Spice Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- Raisins and pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Grease and flour four 4-inch springform pans or one 8x8 square pan
- Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and beat on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high speed until the mixture is smooth. (Add raising and pecans if using.)
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool completely.
Recipe Notes
Browned Butter Cinnamon Buttercream
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 or 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly while cooking just until the butter starts to turn golden brown. This will take about 4-6 minutes. Watch it closely because it can burn easily once the solids separate. Cool completely.
- Combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a small mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until combined. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. Frost the cooled cake as desired. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
Recipe Notes
We hope to take a ride up to the mountains this weekend and see if we can find those gorgeous fall colors. We have to get up early to beat the crowds but our fingers are crossed for good weather and peak color. We’re also going pumpkin picking with grandson Isaac. I love this time of year! What do you have planned?
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tricia
tanna says
Oh, Tricia… all of your beautiful fall recipes look soooo good. But, this is my pick of a perfect fall smell in the oven… and a perfect fall taste… I LOVE fall!
We enjoyed a pumpkin patch visit this past weekend… AND I’ll be heading to VA to see the Boys next week! I’m hoping to enjoy some of y’all’s beautiful color! blessings and hugs ~ tanna
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Tana – wish we could get together while you are in Virginia – but it’s a big state! Hope your renovations are going well. Safe travels!
Susan says
Your little cakes are adorable, Tricia. When I first saw the top photo I didn’t realize it was a mini because of your little cake stand! What a perfect portion control size 🙂 The butter cream sounds delicious with them and so pretty how you piped it.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Susan – you can eat more if the cakes are little … right? Haha
Wendy says
Believe it or not, Easy Bake Ovens are still sold, but instead of looking like an oven they look more like a microwave! I don’t know if they have always been available though. Surely, I would have given one to my kids (now in their 20’s) if they had been available because I loved mine! The “Easy Bake” size of your little applesauce cakes are a wonderful idea for gifts or for dessert for 2.
Mary says
These cakes are gorgeous, Tricia! Explain again why we can’t be neighbors? Don’t you want to move cross country to feed me at least once a week?
Tricia Buice says
I so wish we were neighbors Mary! Your boys are a hoot and I would love to bake and hang with you anytime! I would feed you – and your family!
Dom says
too cute!… love the icing and the piping, I wish I had the patience to do it!… love the applesauce and spice combo too, so perfectly autumnal, your kitchen must smell so wonderful x
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Dom – your presentations are always beautiful! Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Tricia, I have been making spice cake for as long as I can remember and it’s always a hit but I’ve never fancied it up like this. I love these mini cakes, what a fun and pretty treat!
2 Sisters Recipes...by Anna and Liz says
Tricia, you had us cracking up with the mention of the Easy Oven. I think every little girl had one the year they first came out. Your little cakes look amazing, and this too will go on our very long list of recipes to try this year. Have a wonderful weekend!
Tricia Buice says
I think these little cakes would fit in an Easy Bake Oven! I wonder if the little girls of this generation would like one – probably not! Have a lovely weekend!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Those mini spiced cakes look so good..I would gobble up even without icing as they are really moist, but the brown butter cinnamon buttercream makes them even more appealing!
Tricia Buice says
The cake would be great with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar or light whipped cream, but the buttercream is pretty amazing though – thanks for stopping by Angie!
cheri says
Hi Tricia, wonderful recipe, beautiful cakes. Love your new changes to your site and your presentation keeps getting better and better.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks so much Cheri – hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Karen Harris says
Oh, these look so delicious Tricia! What wonderful little cakes to bake for friends at the holidays. Thanks for the inspiration.
Tricia Buice says
I am into these mini-desserts! Love being able to gift them or just make a few. Hope you have a beautiful weekend in Colorado – I bet the Aspen’s are gorgeous 🙂
Becky Green says
OH MY TRICIA! These look WONDERFUL!!! (OH YES, food DOES call my name!) LOL (Too much so!) I will have to try this wonderful recipe you’ve given us! My husband WOULD LOVE THESE!!! This weekend is our 28th Wedding Anniversary! So, we’ll be celebrating that! It’s awful chilly & WET here right now, so I’m not sure if we’ll be out & about in it! LOL Do show pictures of your trip! SAFE TRAVELS!!! 😀
Tricia Buice says
Congratulations on 28 years! We will celebrate our 29th this December. Guess you already have some winter weather – have a wonderful weekend
Traveling Husband says
I plan to take a ride in the mountains with my best girl.
Tricia Buice says
I look forward to it!
Monica says
Oh gosh, I love these little mini cakes!! I think I have one of these pans – just 1 I picked up randomly since I couldn’t resist but now I see I must have at least 4! I’m with you on the whole Duncan Hines thing – I believe it was their brownies I used to make and adore as a kid. Now things are a little different. : ) Your cakes look beautiful, perfect little centerpieces. (p.s. – I am posting some mini cakes soon, too 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Can’t wait to see them Monica! We are kindred bakers 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!
sue/the view from great island says
These looks so fantastic, and just the mention of the Easy Bake Oven brought back a flood of memories!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Sue – they are a fun little cake! Easy Bake Ovens were the best. Did you ever burn your finger on the 100 watt light bulb? Haha Have a great weekend.