Apple Brandy Spice Cake

The brandy may be omitted if desired, but it just tastes so much better when it is added to the batter, also I like to throw in a few raisins for extra flavor, but not too many, as the cake will take longer to bake, and there is a possibility of the cake batter running over the sides of the pan.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1  cup  packed dark brown sugar
• 1⁄3 cup cream cheese, softened (low-fat is okay)
• 1⁄4 cup  oil
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  large eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup buttermilk (low-fat is okay)
• 1  cup  chopped apple
• 2  tablespoons brandy (optional)

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, cream cheese, oil and vanilla; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes).
4. Add in the eggs, beat well.
5. Sift the flour with all dry ingredients (up to and including nutmeg) stir with a whisk to combine well.
6. Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk alternately to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture; beat well after each addition.
7. Stir in the apples and brandy (if using).
8. Spoon the mixture into a prepared baking dish.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake tests done.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired before serving.