Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. applesauce
1/2 c. milk
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
3 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. heavy cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. chopped toasted walnuts
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9”-x-13” baking pan with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. Step 2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Step 3Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and beat just until combined. Add applesauce and milk and beat until just combined, then fold in walnuts. Step 4Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in middle of cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely. Step 5Meanwhile make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and beat until incorporated. Step 6Frost cake and top with toasted walnuts.
Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below! Editor’s Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on July 31, 2020 to include more information about the dish.
