APPLESAUCE CAKE WITH PENUCHE FROSTING RECIPE - (4/5)

Applesauce Cake with Penuche Frosting Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 21

CAKE:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups applesauce
2 eggs
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
FROSTING:
1/2 cup (1-stick) butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup hot milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

Sift flour, white sugar, soda, salt, baking powder, and spices into a large mixing bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup butter, buttermilk, and applesauce. Beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in eggs. Fold in chopped nuts and/or raisins (if using). Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Frosting: Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil (about 2 minutes) and continue cooking until it thickens (about 1 minute more) Let set for 15 minutes. Mix in hot milk and gradually whisk in the confectioner's sugar. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a little milk. Quickly spread the frosting on the cake. Once the frosting cools, it will become harder with an almost fudge-like texture. NOTE: This frosting is excellent on chocolate cake, too!