Spice Cake
Makes 16 servings from an 8"x8" pan
Cake
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Step 1: Preheat Oven, Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8"x8" pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients, Combine Both
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, granualted sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Add oil and whisk unti combined. Add applesauce, buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and mix as little as possible, just until combined and smooth.
Step 4: Pour Batter, Bake Cake
Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely.
Step 5: Make Frosting
Using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed into bowl until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt and beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. If thicker frosting is desired, add 1/2 cup more powdered sugar. Frost cake with frosting.