Fall Spice Apple Pecan Cake

Ingredients:

 * For the Cake:

   * 3 cups all-purpose flour

   * 1 cup granulated sugar

   * 1 cup light brown sugar

   * 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

   * 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

   * ½ teaspoon ground allspice

   * 1 teaspoon baking soda

   * 1 teaspoon salt

   * 3 large eggs

   * ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil

   * ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce.

   * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

   * 3 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

   * 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

 * For the Topping/Frosting:

   * Option 1: Caramel Glaze(find recipes online, or use store bought)

   * Option 2: Cream Cheese Frosting

     * ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

     * 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

     * 1 cup powdered sugar

     * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions:

 * Prepare the Apples and Pecans:

   * Peel, core, and finely chop the apples.

   * Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop them.

 * Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   * In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and salt.

 * Mix the Wet Ingredients:

   * In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.

 * Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   * Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

   * Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans.

 * Bake the Cake:

   * Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   * Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a Bundt pan.

   * Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

   * Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   * Allow the cake to cool completely.

 * Prepare the Frosting/Topping:

   * For the cream cheese frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy.

   * For the Caramel Glaze: prepare your favorite recipe, or gently heat a store bought glaze.

 * Frost the Cake:

   * Once the cake has cooled completely, frost it with the cream cheese frosting or drizzle it with caramel glaze.

Tips and Variations:

 * For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cake batter.

 * You can add a dash of ground cloves to the spice mixture.

 * Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.

 * For added decoration, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top of the frosting.

Enjoy your delicious Fall Spice Apple Pecan Cake!