Moist and Delicious Apple Sauce Cake

This apple sauce cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, with its rich flavor and comforting texture. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutty walnuts creates a delightful taste experience that's sure to please both kids and adults. This recipe makes one 9x13 inch cake, which can be easily served to a crowd or enjoyed as a sweet family treat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 cup of broken walnuts
• 2 teaspoons soda (baking soda)
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamed Mixture

1. Start by creaming together the shortening and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add the well-beaten egg and apple sauce to the creamed mixture, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
• Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare the Soda Mixture

1. Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water to create a fizzy mixture.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

1. Add the flour mixture alternately with the soda and boiling water mixture to the creamed mixture.
2. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Add Raisins and Walnuts

• Stir in the raisins and walnuts into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter into a greased and floured 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Bake in a moderately hot oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Suggested Variations

• To make this apple sauce cake more decadent, add a layer of caramel sauce or whipped cream on top after baking.

• Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create unique flavor profiles.

• For a healthier twist, use applesauce made from organic apples and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.