Spiced Apple Crunch Cake

Spiced Cake

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (350°F) and grease a 9‑inch cake pan.

2. 2

   In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 0.5 tsp salt, and all the ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves) until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Add the apple pie filling, applesauce, olive oil, lightly packed brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture; mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.

4. 4

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. 5

   Salted Vanilla Milk Soak: While the cake bakes, combine milk, 0.25 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp vanilla extract, and 0.5 tsp brown sugar in a small saucepan; stir over low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

6. 6

   When the cake is removed from the oven and is still warm, poke several holes across the surface with a skewer and slowly pour the warm milk soak over the cake, allowing it to be absorbed.

Apple Filling Layer

7. 7

   Spread an additional 1 cup of apple pie filling evenly over the soaked cake.

8. 8

   Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the room‑temperature cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

9. 9

   Gently fold the 0.25 cup of jammy‑only apple pie filling into the frosting, taking care not to deflate it.

10. 10

    Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

Topping

11. 11

    Sprinkle the cup of feuilletine over the frosting for a crunchy finish.

12. 12

    Allow the assembled cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.