Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º F/176º C. Prepare your pans with cake goop or another preferred pan release.

Step 2

Sift together your flour, baking soda, spices and salt.

Step 3

In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter until smooth with the whisk attachment.

Step 4

Sprinkle in sugar and whip on high until white and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add in your oil and whip another minute.

Step 5

Switch to the paddle attachment. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.

Step 6

Add the flour mixture and mix until it is just incorporated, do not over mix!

Step 7

Finally, add in your applesauce and mix until everything is combined.

Step 8

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a rubber spatula. Bake cakes until they feel firm in the center and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs on it, about 25-35 minutes.

Step 9

Place softened butter in the bowl of your stand mixer with whisk attachment and cream on low until smooth. Or you can use a hand mixer!

Step 10

Place softened cream cheese in the bowl with butter in small chunks and blend on low until smooth and combined

Step 11

Add your orange extract and salt. Add in sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time and mix until combined