APPLESAUCE CAKE WITH PENUCHE FROSTING

Applesauce Cake with Penuche Frosting image

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories Spreads

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 23

CAKE
2/3 c soft butter
1 1/4 c granulated sugar
1 c brown sugar,packed
3 large eggs
1 3/4 c unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c water
3 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp each nutmeg and cloves
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c chopped walnuts
1 c chopped raisins,optional
PENUCHE FROSTING
1 1/2 c brown sugar, firmly packed
6 Tbsp milk
6 Tbsp oleo (margarine or butter)
1 pinch salt
2 Tbsp peanut butter, creamy
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Note: If you don't have all the spices you can just use 2 1/4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in place of all the spices. Also this can be made in a 15x10-inch pan for bars.Bake these for 20 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
2. Heat oven to 350^ grease and flour the baking pan you wish to use or spray with non-stick oil. --- Sift together the dry ingredients ,except the sugars and set aside. Cream together in a large mixer bowl the butter and sugars, until smooth and fluffy; add eggs. Mix well then add applesauce, mixing to blend. Stir in sifted dry ingredients ;alternating with the water (sometimes I use dairy sour cream instead of the water).
3. Stir in the nuts and raisins if using,or you can use craisins. Pour into prepared pan of choice. Bake in 350^ oven for the time as listed above. Cake 45 to 55 minutes.Bars 20 to 30 minutes. Always test with a toothpick for doneness. Cool in pan on wire rack. Then spread with the frosting.
4. Penuche Frosting Combine the sugar, milk, oleo and salt in a saucepan and bring slowly to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients. Stir and cool until spreading consistency. If desired you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top of frosting.