Easy Apple Snack Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly coat an 8-inch-square cake pan with vegetable oil spray.
2. 2
   Whisk the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt together in a large bowl and set aside.
3. 3
   Beat the brown sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 6 minutes.
4. 4
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed.
5. 5
   Beat in the applesauce and lemon zest.
6. 6
   Whisk the flour mixture into the egg mixture until no streaks of flour remain.
7. 7
   Stir in the apples and raisins (if using).
8. 8
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. 9
   Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs attached, 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.
10. 10
    Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours, before serving.