Iowa Applesauce Cake

Cake: 1/2 c Butter or margarine

Or shortening 3/4 c Sugar

3/4 c Packed brown sugar

1 Egg

2 c All-purpose flour

2 ts Baking powder

1 ts Baking soda

1 ts Ground cinnamon

1/2 ts Ground cloves

1 1/2 c Applesauce

1 c Raisins

1/2 c Chopped walnuts or pecans

Cream cheese frosting: 6 oz Softened cream cheese *

1/2 c Softened butter or margarine

2 ts Vanilla

2 1/2 c Sifted powdered sugar

= (2 1/2 to 2 3/4) Recipe by: Governor Terry E. Branstad, Iowa * (a Butter frosting could be used instead of cream cheese.). Cake: 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 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter or margarine and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Bean in powdered sugar to make a spreadable frosting. Note= For a decorated finish, set a doily lightly on the frosted cake and sprinkle lightly with a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg. Carefully remove the doily. Serves 12. JM.

Governor Terry E. Branstad, Iowa
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