Spiced Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour one 13x9x2-inch-baking pan. Set aside. If you would like to make a layer cake, use two 8 or 9-inch round pans.

In a large mixing bowl, combine apples and sugar. With a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir in oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine all of the dry ingredients. Add flour mixture to apple mixture. Add milk and stir just until combined. Add nuts or cranberries.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool down for 15 minutes before removing from pan. Let cake completely cool before frosting.

For Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Scrape bowl. Add butter and beat until mixture is very smooth and free from lumps. Add vanilla and brown sugar. Beat for five minutes until frosting is light and fluffy and the sugar has completely dissolved.

Use the frosting to decorate the cake once it has cooled. Sprinkle the top of the cake with reserved nuts or cranberries for garnish. Refrigerate after frosting.