Get ready…because this cake is going to blow your mind.  My daddy doesn’t even really like cake (he’s a pie person), but he seriously talks about this all the time…how could I not make it for him?  Over Thanksgiving break, he and my mother went to a cabin in the mountains.  I planned to have this waiting on him when he got back, but due to some rather unfortunate plumbing problems (lame), they had to come back early…so he obviously needed a feel-better cake.  My sister and I spent the whole weekend wreath making, movie watching, and cracker baking.

You will need:
3 c. applesauce (sweet)
2 c. sugar
2 c. raisins (not necessary…but delicious)
4 c. all purpose flour
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional…but also delicious)
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. shortening

…to be quite honest, the recipe I used didn’t have actual directions…so I’ll tell you what we did (which worked perfectly).

1.  Mix all the dry ingredients, and whisk together.
2.  In a separate mixing bowl, mix applesauce and shortening (you may need to use a hand mixer to break up the shortening).
3.  A little at a time, mix the dry into the wet and mix well.

Steps 1, 2, and 3…adorable helper not optional.

4.  If desired, mix in raisins and walnuts. 
5.  Pour batter into well greased pan or Pyrex.  I used Crisco to grease them, but I’m sure you could use parchment paper or another method.
6.  Bake in preheated oven on 350 for about 25ish minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  (Note:  We made two smaller cakes, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted.  I would start at 25 and move up as needed).

At this point, your cakes should have pulled away from the edges of the pan, and your house should smell like Christmas!

For the icing, you will need:
2 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. butter

1.  Cook on stovetop until creamy and spread on cake.  (Note:  This will not thicken up like frosting.  It’s more like a glaze that will need to be poured over the top…it would work as a poke cake too!)

Eat and be merry!

     In case you’re hesitant about the applesauce, this is not a slap-you-in-the-face appley kind of cake.  It really is very similar to a spice cake.  Basically…Christmas in a Pyrex.  Make it…go now.

P.S.  We finished decorating today…pictures soon!