Iowa Applesauce Cake

• 1/2 cup butter, margarine, or shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 cup raisins

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, margarine or shortening for 30 seconds. Add the sugars and egg; beat until combined. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices. Add flour mixture alternately with applesauce to butter mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Serves 12.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat together two 3 oz. packages softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter (or margarine) and 2 tsp. vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 2 1/2 -2 3/4 cups sifted powdered sugar to make spreadable frosting. (A butter frosting could be used instead of the cream cheese.)

By Robin