Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugars, oil, and applesauce until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake.
- Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top if desired. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!