Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the unsweetened applesauce until the batter is smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for 1 hour.
  9. Prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Frost the cooled cake.