Next, pour the batter into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, I love to prepare the cinnamon frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, alternating with the milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Once that heavenly cake is done baking, let it cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting it; trust me, you want to avoid that melted frosting disaster!
Once your cake has cooled, gently slather on the cinnamon frosting using a spatula. I sometimes use a piping bag for a fancy finish, but you can definitely just use a spatula for a rustic look. The contrast of the sweet frosting against the spiced cake is simply breathtaking.
Pro Tips for Best Results
First, I recommend making your own applesauce if you have the time. It’s super easy and gives the cake a fresher flavor. I tested this cake with store-bought applesauce, and while it worked, the homemade version really elevates the taste! Second, don’t skimp on the spices. I like to add a little extra cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for more depth in flavor. Finally, let the cake cool completely before frosting. I learned this the hard way; the frosting just melts into a gooey mess if the cake is still warm!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. I made this error the first few times, thinking that a smooth batter would yield a better cake. Instead, it resulted in a denser texture! Be gentle when mixing; you want everything combined but not overworked. Another pitfall is using cold ingredients. (See the next page below to continue…)