Anya's Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

I made this cake with my 6 year old for a special treat. She requested an apple cake and she wanted one with frosting. Most apple cakes have a thin frosting or a glaze but I know my girl... she needed A LOT of frosting.

I came up with this combination and I must say that my little girl was VERY pleased. It was a fantastic cake and it will be made again and again. I hope you'll give it a try... it is delicious!

Anya's Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Adapted from Gourmet.com

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2cupsunsweetened applesauce
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Grease an 8x8 pan.

 

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

Beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla  until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. 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. Fold in apples.

Spread batter evenly in pan and bake until golden-brown and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes.

Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Beat cream cheese and butter until combined. Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth.