Ingredients

Cake

• 2 ¼ cups flour (add extra 1/4 cup for elevation), sifted

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground clove

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (dark if you want very rich)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 tsp pure vanilla

• 1 tsp molasses

• 3 cups finely grated carrots, lightly packed

Spiced Apple Filling

• 4 medium, granny smith apples- peeled, cored, and chopped into ½ inch cubes

• 3 Tbsp butter

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 3 Tbsp water

• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 4 tsp cornstarch

• 2 Tbsp water

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8-ounce) package brick style cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract*