Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl or using a mixer, beat the melted butter, applesauce, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges slightly pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the icing by beating together softened butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Spread the brown sugar icing evenly over the cooled cake before slicing.