Spiced Applesauce Cake

Last night, I was craving breaded chicken. Sean had made some a few weeks ago when we were lunch guests at their house, and it was incredible. I scoured the internet, and this was the best substitute I could find. I added a full lemon worth of zest, and used boneless/skinless chicken breast instead. It was delicious.

However, the real story here is the cake pictured above. While I was surfing the internet for a chicken recipe, I came across this beauty, and couldn't resist making it. I had all the ingredients! I know it's really a "fall" cake, but it was absolutely delicious!

Below is my recipe, adapted from the original found in Gourmet Magazine.

For cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened chunky applesauce (Trader Joe's has a great one)

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Butter a 9 x 11 cake pan.

• In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
• In a kitchenaid (or large bowl) beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla at high speed for 2-3 min. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in applesauce. At low speed, mix in flour mixture until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the edges as you are combining the flour!
  
• Spread batter evenly into buttered pan and bake until golden-brown, 30-35 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Run a knife around edge of cake to loosen, then invert onto cooling rack. Let sit for another 15 minutes then return to plan or cake plate for frosting.
  

For frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4-5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

To make the frosting...

• Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy. Sift confectioners sugar and cinnamon over cream cheese mixture, then beat at medium speed until incorporated.
• Spread frosting over top of cooled cake.

And enjoy!