Foryoueats: Super Moist Spice Cake

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon groundcloves
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 and 3/4 cup (350g) packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup (180g) unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded apple (or shredded carrot/zucchini)
• optional: 1 Tablespoon (15ml) unsulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; I prefer Grandma’s brand)
• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt