This applesauce cake recipe is moist, delicious and perfect for any day. The cake features plump raisins, as well as walnuts and the perfect combination of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon to spice things up.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg
• 1-1/2 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

1. Place raisins and hot water in a small bowl; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce and water. Drain raisins; fold into batter with the walnuts.
3. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 300° for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Serve warm or cold.