FOR THE CAKE
Cooking spray
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. applesauce
1/2 c. milk
1 c. chopped walnuts
FOR THE FROSTING
1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
3 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. heavy cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. chopped toasted walnuts
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9”-x-13” baking pan with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
Step 3
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and beat just until combined. Add applesauce and milk and beat until just combined, then fold in walnuts.
Step 4
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in middle of cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 5
Meanwhile make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and beat until incorporated.
Step 6
Frost cake and top with toasted walnuts.