One-Bowl Apple Spice Cake

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar and eggs until sugar is dissolved and mixture is slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Add applesauce, oil, and vanilla and whisk until well combined.

Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, kosher salt, baking soda, and nutmeg; gently whisk just until no dry flour remains. Using a flexible spatula, fold in apple and crystallized ginger, if using, until evenly distributed.

Scrape batter into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with turbinado sugar. Bake until cake is lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 55 minutes.

Let loaf cool in pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Using parchment overhang as handles, lift cake from pan and transfer to wire rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. Slice and serve.