Recipe: Starbucks-style Holiday Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

I know it's a little early for the holidays, but like all of you, I've been after a recipe similar to the Starbuck's Gingerbread Loaf. Here is one I've found on the internet that looks pretty bang on. Here it is...although I haven't had time to make it yet. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!!

STARBUCKS-STYLE HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD LOAF
Source: Daily Press, CA /Veronica Hill

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/4 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract, optional
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon baking soda
FROSTING:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in orange extract if using.

Dissolve baking soda into applesauce and mix into creamed butter mixture. Add flour mixture. Mix until smooth.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes (I do 45 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out just slightly sticky.

FROSTING:
Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and orange extract (if using). Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar.

Frost cake when it is completely cooled. Decorate with chopped candied orange peel or candied ginger.