Josie’s Spice Cake

Here is Josie’s spice cake. Josie is the winner of my Halloween baking recipe challenge. Her contest submission was a spice cake with a Halloween twist. I picked Josie because I loved the creativity in her cupcakes and her recipe was unique. These cupcakes are so good. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS FOR CAKE:

• 2 1/2 cup flour 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoons salt 
• 1  1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 
• 1 cup vegetable oil (Josie substituted oil with applesauce) 
• 1 3/4 cup brown sugar 
• 3 large eggs 
• 2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 cup shredded apple 
•  1 tablespoon of molasses and a teaspoon of maple extract (optional)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tsp salt 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Whisk the brown sugar, oil/applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses (if using) together in a medium bowl.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Fold in the shredded apple.
5. Scoop batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours.  

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1. In a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. If you want the frosting a little thicker, add the extra 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar (I add it).
3. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake with a small butterknife or offset spatula. Add on any details for the pumpkin faces if you want. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This helps sets the frosting and makes cutting easier. Enjoy!

Congrats Josie! Thanks to all who entered the contest and thanks for baking with me!

~ Natalie