Spiced Applesauce Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients Cake 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 cups sweetened applesauce 1/2 cup honey 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon each: cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon each: allspice, cardamom, and ground cloves 1-1/2 cups chopped dates Frosting 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 tablespoons butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans, for garnish

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Using a hand or standing mixer, blend together the butter and sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating steadily. Add the applesauce and the honey and mix until well blended.

Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices, blending with a fork. On low speed, slowly add the spice mixture, mixing just until blended. Fold in the chopped dates.

Pour the batter into two (8-inch) round baking pans coated with DuPont™ Teflon® non-stick.  Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on wire racks.

Prepare the frosting while the cake cools: Blend the cream cheese with the vanilla and butter until light and fluffy. On low speed, add the powdered sugar and then blend well on high speed a few minutes until soft, creamy, and spreadable.

To assemble, place one layer upside down on an autumnal-looking plate. Frost and add the other layer. Frost the top and side of the cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Add a centerpiece on the cake top such as a grouping of freshly sliced apples and mint.

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