When I make this, the house fills with a great smell. It’s a crowd-pleaser with friends and family.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1 cup brown sugar, packed (for frosting)
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider and applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For the frosting, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Stir in the milk and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.