1 c. packed dark brown sugar
1/2 c. block style cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. low-fat buttermilk
1 c. peeled, chopped, tart apples
2 tbsp. brandy (optional)
cooking spray
2 tsp. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the first 4 ingredients in a bowl and beat with mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (flour through nutmeg), stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture; beat well after each addition. Stir in apple and brandy, if desired.

Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool and then sprinkle with the powdered sugar.

Makes 12 servings, 205 calories per serving.