Name: Fuji Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: Makes 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose flour; 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/4 cups sugar; 3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons bourbon, apple brandy, or rum (optional); 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 2 medium Fuji or Gala apples (13 to 14 ounces total), peeled, halved, cored, cut into 1/3-inch cubes; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans (about 6 ounces); 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 3 cups powdered sugar (measured, then sifted); Coarsely chopped toasted pecans (for garnish); 2 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides

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Fuji Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingRichard Pierce

Why Fujis? This not-too-sugary cake (inspired by carrot cake) is best when made with fairly sweet apples. Plus, it's important to choose an apple variety with a sturdy structure so that it won't break down during baking. Fuji apples fill the bill on both counts.

Recipe notes

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