APPLESAUCE SHEET CAKE

FOR THE CAKE:
1 1/2 cups applesauce
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR THE FROSTING:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13/4 cup confectioners' sugar, softened
3 teaspoons milk
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped (for topping)

TO MAKE THE CAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-by-15-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar and vegetable oil. Blend well. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture to the applesauce mixture, mixing well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool 15 minutes or longer before frosting.

TO MAKE THE FROSTING:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar. Mix well. Stir in the milk gradually until the frosting reaches the desired spreading consistency.

Frost the cake, then sprinkle with the chopped nuts. Allow the frosted cake to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Makes 24 squares
Source: Sweets: A Collection of Soul Food Desserts and Memories by Patty Pinner