Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer (or whisk)
– Rubber spatula
– 9-inch round cake pans (two)
– Parchment paper
– Cooling rack
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather and prepare your ingredients. Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. It’s so satisfying to see all those warm aromas mingling together! In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. I love watching it turn from yellow to a lighter color—it’s like magic! (See the next page below to continue steps…)