Apple-Ginger Snack Cake

I absolutely love apple desserts! To be quite honest, it might be my favorite part of autumn and winter. While this cake was in the oven our whole house smelled amazing. So warm and cozy!

Apple-Ginger Snack Cake

found in September's All You magazine

1 cup chopped walnuts (I used only 1/2 cup)

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla

4 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

frosting:

6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp lemon zest (I omitted)

1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger (I omitted)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread nuts in pan and bake until lightly toasted (5-7 minutes).

In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

In a separate bowl mix together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour mixture. Fold in apples and walnuts. (batter will be thick) Spread in prepared pan and bake 45-50 minutes. Let cool completely.

To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter. Beat in lemon juice and powdered sugar. Fold in zest. Spread on cooled cake. Sprinkle with ginger.