Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in several increments mixing just until combined. Fold in the walnuts and pecans if using. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.  Move the pan to a wire rack to fully cool.

Step 6

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat together the butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla until light, fluffy and smooth.  Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beaters as needed.

Step 7

Spread the frosting on the fully-cooled cake. This cake should be refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting.