James Westfall's Applesauce Cake

This recipe has been handed down through the Westfall family for years. My grandfather, James Westfall, made this cake frequently, especially during the holidays. It is a great cake for family get-togethers.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 543 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 ½ cups raisins
• 2 ⅔ cups white sugar
• ⅔ cup chopped walnuts
• cooking spray
• 1 ¾ cups applesauce
• ⅔ cup butter-flavored shortening

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a fluted cake pan with cooking spray.

Step 2

Beat sugar and shortening together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; beat in eggs until incorporated.

Step 3

Combine applesauce, water, and baking soda in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir applesauce mixture into shortening mixture; add vanilla extract.

Step 4

Whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and ground cloves together in a bowl. Gradually stir applesauce mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Fold in raisins and walnuts. Pour into prepared cake pan.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes and transfer cake to a plate.