Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
For the frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
Make the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and applesauce. Beat until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the cocoa powder until combined.
- Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!