Applesauce Cake in 50 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until no clumps remain.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until smooth.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together until smooth, then frost the cooled cake.