Spiced Applesauce Cake w/ Caramel Glaze

I saw this recipe on my friend JJ’s blog and immediate left a comment telling her I was making it. I was already in the mood for a good coffee cake, so seeing this recipe just hit the spot. My mouth was watering before I stirred together the first ingredient. As always, JJ delivered in a big way. It’s a simple cake with such a full flavor. And ohmygoodness can we talk about how the caramel glaze takes it over the top?! This one is a keeper.

Ingredients

For the cake:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2/3 cup oil {I used canola}
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda {15 Cool Uses for Baking Soda}
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the glaze:
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup cream {I used 2% milk}
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a standard size bundt pan {loaf pans or a springform pan can be used as well} and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the eggs and sugars. Add the oil, applesauce, and vanilla and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Add wet and dry ingredients and stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely {if taking out of the pan, cool for 10 minutes and then turn out onto cooling rack}.

While cake is baking, combine first 4 glaze ingredients in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and continue the boil for one minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Let rest for a few minutes to thicken. Pour over cake and enjoy!