Gran's Apple Cake

By brandyc

Ingredients

• FROSTING:
• 1-2/3 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups chopped peeled tart apples (about 5 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, applesauce, oil and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to applesauce mixture and beat until combined. Fold in apples and pecans.

Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

For frosting, combine cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar (mixture will be soft). Spread over cooled cake.