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Super Moist Spice Cake

A delightful and comforting dessert that captures the warm essence of autumn with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1.75 cups Packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce
  • 4 large Eggs Ensure at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Shredded apple For moisture and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Unsulphured or dark molasses Optional for depth
Frosting Ingredients
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
  • 8 ounces Full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2.5 cups Confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well combined.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses (if using).
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, whisking until combined.
  5. Gently fold in the shredded apple.
Baking
  1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 38-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs.
  3. Cover loosely with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
  4. Let the cake cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until browned.
  2. Let the melted butter cool for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate to solidify.
  3. Beat the solidified brown butter until creamy, then add cream cheese and mix.
  4. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. Spread frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
  6. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast spices briefly before adding to dry ingredients. You can substitute fruits or adjust frosting consistency with cream or milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.