Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

Grease and flour a baking dish.

Step 3

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake mixes, spices, oil, eggs, vanilla and buttermilk.

Step 4

Start the mixer on low speed, increasing to medium speed,

Step 5

Mix for five minutes.

Step 6

Fold in the diced apples and pour into the prepared cake pan.

Step 7

Pour the batter into your baking dish.

Step 8

Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Step 9

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake if it comes out clean it is fully baked.

Step 10

Place the cake to the side to cool.

Step 11

Prepare the frosting as directed.

Step 12

Spread the frosting on the top of the cake evenly.

Step 13

Garnish with mixed nuts

Step 14

In a small saucepan add your milk over medium heat.

Step 15

Add the flour into milk, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

Step 16

Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 17

Stir in vanilla.

Step 18

Allow the mixture to cool.

Step 19

In a separate cream the butter, sugar, and salt together until light and fluffy on medium high, about 3 minutes.

Step 20

Add the milk mixture to the butter mixture.

Step 21

Using a hand mixer beat the mixture for about 5 minutes on medium-high to high until it looks like whipped cream.