The Lazy Baker’s Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake

I like to bake. I think this has been firmly established by many of my previous posts, comments, and photos uploaded.  Because I do enjoy baking and have some modicum of talent with it, I frequently get designated the dessert bringer.

But I’ll be honest. As much as I like the oohs and ahhs that come from the from scratch elaborate baking recipes, sometimes I just can not whip up the energy to put that much effort into every single thing I make. I know you guys relate. It’s a busy world. I’m a busy lady. You’re a busy (whatever you are). So it’s OK to take the shortcut now and then. Or even more often than that.

Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake (as per The Cake Doctor)

You’ll need the following for the cake. Hello Kitty toaster is optional.

 

1 package plain spice cake mix
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cinnamon applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients. Beat until well combined, scraping the sides down as necessary. The recipe will fill two 9-inch layer pans, but it also makes lovely cupcakes. Prepare your pans with baking spray (lazy!) or cupcake liners. Pour your batter into the pans, but that’s a fairly obvious step.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or till your tester comes out clean.

One thing I rarely cut corners on any more is frosting. Homemade buttercream has spoiled me for the stuff that comes out of the can. My buttercream isn’t an exact science ““ I mostly just futz with it until it’s the consistency I like, but the basic gist is this:

1 and ½ sticks of butter at room temperature

Confectioner’s sugar, sifted. Start with 3 cups, additional as necessary

Whole milk

Vanilla

Beat the butter until it’s fluffy. Add the confectioner’s sugar in batches, alternating with just enough whole milk to smooth out the frosting. Finish with the sugar. Add vanilla to taste ““ a tablespoon or two will do you. This is a super rich frosting. Which is awesome.

 

Frost your cake when it’s cooled, or just eat it with a spoon. Whatever suits you.

If you want to be super fancy pants about things, toasted walnuts arranged attractively on top of the cake looks super impressive, or as my newly-married-into-the-family-aunt said, “Just like you bought it at the store!” (I considered that a major compliment.)

To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking pan and put in the oven at 350 degrees. Start timing for about 8 minutes and check accordingly. Nuts will burn super fast. I feel like there’s some obvious joke here I could be making, but feel free to put your own in the comments.