Raisin Spice Cake With Penuche Frosting - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups thick applesauce
1/2 cup pecans, chopped, toasted
PENUCHE FROSTING
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup raisins, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation

sift flour with soda, salt and spices -- set aside.
cream butter, add granulated sugar gradually and beat till fluffy -- add eggs, one at a time, add molasses and beat well.
stir in applesauce and nuts.gradually blend to sifted dry ingredients --
pour batter into 3 waxed paper lined and greased 8\" round cake pans --
bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes --
cool layers -- about 10 minutes and remove from pans -- remove waxed paper and spread with penuche frosting.
to prepare PENUCHE FROSTING:.
combine butter, brown sugar and cream in a heavy saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat.
remove from heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar till mixture is velvety and very smooth --
stir in vanilla, nuts and raisins.