Molasses Apple Cake With Fluffy Topping

This is a VERY old recipe from my grandmother (possibly my great-grandmother). She was a lunch lady and held fast (and still does) that no meal is complete with out two things: bread and dessert. And tea tastes the best to her (private family joke). She now has Alzheimer's and is in the nursing home. I'm posting this kinda for her, kinda for me...and for everyone else to enjoy as well.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8-12

Ingredients

• CAKE

• 1 1⁄2 cups apples, slices (choose a good baking apple)
• 3⁄4 cup molasses
• 1⁄3 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup hot water
• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

• TOPPING

• 1⁄4 cup molasses
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1⁄4 teaspoon clove
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  pinch salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Simmer the apples in the molasses until tender and cool.
3. Melt the shortening in the hot water.
4. Sift all the dry ingredients together and slowly add water mixture, stirring constantly to keep smooth. Stir in the molasses and apples.
5. Pour into a greased 9x9 pan and bake for 1/2 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. NOTE: The original recipe did not specify a pan size. This was just a guess as the serving size (which was mentioned) is 8-12.
7. TOPPING: Whip the cream. Add the dry ingredients and fold in the molasses. Spread on top of cake and sprinkle with nuts if desired.