Mother's Applesauce Cake

Recipe View Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease and flour a tube pan to prevent sticking. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures even distribution of spices. (Prep time: 3 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 2 cups brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake. (Prep time: 5-7 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually mix in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

Recipe View Alternately add the dry flour mixture and applesauce to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing. (Prep time: 5-7 minutes)

Recipe View Gently fold in the raisins, dates, and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. (Prep time: 3 minutes)

Recipe View Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, spreading evenly. (Prep time: 1 minute)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This may take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. (Bake time: 90 minutes)

Recipe View Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. (Cooling time: 30 minutes)

Recipe View To prepare the icing, melt 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and bring to a simmer, boiling for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Stir in the milk, and continue stirring until the mixture returns to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. (Cooling time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Beat in the vanilla extract and sifted confectioners' sugar until smooth. (Prep time: 3 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cake is completely cooled, generously frost with the prepared icing.