Almost Homemade Applesauce Spice Cake

Cake Ingredients

1 yellow butter cake mix

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 cups applesauce

3 eggs

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting Ingredients

1/4 cup softened butter

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Combine the cake mix and spices in a large bowl.
Mix in the butter, milk, and applesauce.
Beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer on medium speed.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
Fold in the walnuts.
Grease and lightly flour 2 - 9 inch round baking pans.
Pour batter into the prepared pans.

Put in the oven and bake for 30 - 40 minutes.
Watch Carefully!
Do Not Overbake!
Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
As soon as you remove the cake from the oven, run a butter knife around the inside edges of the pan.
Cool completely on racks.

Frosting Directions

Mix confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
If the frosting is too thick, add a drop or two of milk.
Beat at medium speed until frosting is smooth.

Frost cooled cakes.

Sprinkle top of cake with very finely chopped walnuts (optional).