Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare whatever pan you will be using. I used 2-8 inch pans but you can also use a 13X9. In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Make a well in center and set aside.

In a separate bowl, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to mix until combined. Add applesauce, vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to sugar mixture and blend until combined.

Pour wet ingredients into well of dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold and stir mixture just until combined. It’s ok to have some lumps, just no streaks or pockets of flour.

Pour into prepared pans and give a slight bang on the counter to level out and release air pockets. Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick test comes out free of wet batter.

Place on racks to cool.

For frosting beat together butter and cream cheese. Add the confectioners sugar a little at a time and blend until smooth and free of lumps. Add in as much maple syrup as you need to get a spreadable but NOT runny consistency.

Once cake is cooled frost as desired. Store in refrigerator. This cake tastes great cold or at room temperature