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1
Pre-heat the oven to 325F (160C).
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2
Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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3
Set aside.
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4
In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
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5
Set aside.
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6
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
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7
Add vanilla and mix well.
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8
Add eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition.
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9
Sift the dry ingredients, then stir into the butter mixture just until incorporated.
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10
Add the applesauce; stir.
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11
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and even out the top.
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12
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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13
Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan by gently turning it upside-down onto a wire rack.
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14
Allow to cool thoroughly.
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15
Meanwhile, prepare frosting.
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16
In a mixing bowl, beat toghether the butter and cream cheese until creamy.
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17
Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
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18
Keep at room temperature until time to serve.
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19
Just before serving, slice cake in half so that you have two 9x9-inch slices.
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20
Place the bottom half on a serving plate.
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21
Top with 1 cup frosting, spead evenly over the top.
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22
Sprinkle with M&Ms.
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23
Place other half of cake on top, then top it with the remaining frosting.
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24
Decorate cake with candies so that it looks somewhat like a gingerbread house.
