Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese for 12

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, applesauce, and buttermilk.
4. Whisk in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and all spices until just combined.
5. Fold in the diced apples using a spatula until distributed; do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then increase to high.
10. Mix in vanilla and heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached, then frost the cooled cake.