Ganache

I’m not much on writing today. It’s been one of those dreary mondays. I don’t have a cute, elaborate story for you, and I don’t have much to say in general. I have a headache that refuses to leave, dry, tired eyes, and a cup of tea brewing.

But, what I do have for you is cake…

There are cakes. Then there are spice cakes. I’m not a huge fan of any cake that comes along, but I do love a good spice cake. The deep, rich, and not overly sweet flavors draw me in, make me think of cool air and the holidays, and make me sink back into my chair. It’s a very warm and comforting dessert. Which is a good think, because I think I need something a little warm and comforting today.

Hope you enjoy this dessert as much as my husband and I do!

Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Slightly adapted from a Giada de Laurentiis recipe

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablesoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Non-stick cooking spray

1. Position a rack in the center of your oven. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a small bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, spices, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to combine thoroughly (or you could sift).

3. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, sugars, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Beat ingredients to combine well and become slightly frothy.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, small amounts at a time, and stir until just combined.

5. Coat a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour in batter and smooth out top. Cook 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out partially clean (a few crumbs left on it). Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Icing
Courtesy Paula Deen

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 block of an 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until softened and well combined and slightly fluffy.

2. Add vanilla and confectioners sugar. Beat until well combined and icing is smooth. Use as icing on your spice cake.