In my years growing up, my folks would have other couples over on weekends to play pitch. My mom would always make a batch of homemade ice cream. Sometimes we'd bake a snack cake to go with it. Like this recipe, I hope you'll enjoy!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Spray an oblong baking pan with baking spray.
Using a nut chopper or knife, chop English walnuts or pecans into small pieces. If desired, you may also chop the raisins into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about thirty seconds.
Add large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
In a small bowl combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground cloves.
Add the flour to the creamed butter alternately with the cinnamon applesauce until mixed well.
Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir in the chopped raisins and nuts.
Pour cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serves 16-20.
Notes
*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter used on this recipe site is salted.**Because this is such a dense cake, it may take a bit longer to bake, depending on your oven setting. You want to be sure the center is fully cooked before removing the cake from the oven or the middle might sink.