February 17, 2008

Never Fail Applesauce Spice Cake

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

  1. Sift flour, white sugar, soda, salt, baking powder, and spices into a large mixing bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup butter or margarine, buttermilk, and applesauce. Beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in eggs. Fold in 3/4 cup chopped nuts. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes.
  3. Mix confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, and add 1 cup chopped pecans. Keep stirring until browned. Stir cooled pecans into cream cheese mixture. Frost the cooled cake.