Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give two 9-inch cake pans a good spray with baking spray so nothing sticks later on.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. You’re building all that cozy spice flavor here!
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the brown sugar, oil, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until everything’s nice and smooth. Pour this sweet and creamy mix into your dry ingredients and whisk just until it all comes together—don’t overmix!
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the centers bounce back when you lightly press them.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then flip them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Now you’ve got two fluffy, spice-filled layers ready for frosting.