1-Getting started: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a quarter sheet pan to make sure nothing sticks. This sets the stage for a smooth baking process that anyone can follow.

2-Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice; set that aside for later. In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange juice until they blend well. This step mixes the wet ingredients to create a rich base.

3-Pour the wet mixture into the dry one and whisk until just combined, then fold in the chopped apples evenly for that chunky goodness. Spread the batter smoothly in your prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Remember to tent with foil around 30 minutes to avoid over-browning, and check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center it should come out clean.

4-Baking and Finishing Touches: Once baked, let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before adding any toppings. For the optional glaze, melt the butter with brown sugar, heavy cream, and a small pinch of salt in a saucepan, bring it to a boil for 1 minute, then simmer off heat for 1 minute. Whisk in the confectioner’s sugar, let it cool a bit, and drizzle it over the cake. Serve warm or at room temperature, either plain, dusted with confectioner’s sugar, or with the glaze on top.