Applesauce Cake

From the 1961 "Lutheran Favorites" of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, Minnesota. Submitted by Mrs. August Speigner.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts
• 1  teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 2  large eggs (1/2 cup)
• 1 1⁄2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1⁄2 cup raisins

Directions

1. Combine shortening and flour and mix at lowest speed for 1 minute, guiding mixture into beaters with rubber scraper.
2. Mixture will be crumbly and fluffy (if mixing by hand, use pastry blender or 2 knives).
3. Add sure, baking powder, baking soda, and spices and 2 tablespoons applesauce.
4. Blend well; add remaining applesauce until just blended.
5. Add raisins and nuts, and pour into greased 9x12x2-inch pan.
6. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes.