Spice Cake

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 and 3/4 cups (350 grams) light brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (125 g) unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 (8-ounce) package brick-style cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To make the cake: ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9x13 baking pan well with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well combined. Set aside.

4. 4

   In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until fully combined.

5. 5

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together until just combined.

6. 6

   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the top of the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. 8

   --- To make the frosting: ---

9. 9

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until well combined and smooth.

10. 10

    Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

11. 11

    Spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake.