1-Preheat your oven: Getting started with this apple cake is as easy as preheating your oven, and you’ll love how straightforward the process feels. First, set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a quarter sheet pan to ensure your cake bakes evenly and releases without a fuss.

2-Whisk the dry ingredients: Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice until they’re well combined.

3-Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup applesauce, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons orange juice until everything mixes smoothly.

4-Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined, then fold in the 3 cups of chopped apples by hand to keep the texture light and fruity.

5-Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes; cover loosely with foil after about 30 minutes to avoid over-browning. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick it should come out clean.

6-Cool the cake and prepare the glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving, or move on to the optional glaze if you’re adding that extra touch. For the glaze, combine 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and a small pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stir until the butter melts, then bring to a rapid boil for 1 minute without stirring.

7-Finish the glaze and serve: Reduce the heat, stir, and simmer for another minute before removing from heat and whisking in 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar. Let it cool and thicken for at least 20 minutes, then spoon it over the cake; warm it briefly in the microwave if it thickens too much. Serve your apple cake warm or at room temperature, either plain, dusted with confectioner’s sugar, or glazed for a special treat.