Old-Fashioned Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 325F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease. Set aside.
2. 2
   Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, eggs, and butter together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
3. 3
   Mix until well combined.
4. 4
   Add in the apples and mix until they release enough of their juice that the mixture becomes a thick batter, about 3-5 minutes at medium speed.
5. 5
   Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
6. 6
   Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. 7
   Allow to cool completely in the pan.
8. 8
   Melt the butter over the stovetop in a small pan over medium heat.
9. 9
   Add in the brown sugar and salt. Cook, stirring, until the brown sugar is completely melted. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, then pour immediately into a stand mixer bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
10. 10
    After the 10 minutes is up, stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat well with the whisk attachment.
11. 11
    Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake, smoothing it into an even layer.
12. 12
    Serve warm or at room temperature.