KENTUCKY PECAN CAKE

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup applesauce
2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp hot water
4 egg yolks
1 cup chopped pecans
4 egg whites
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine first 7 ingredients (flour through egg yolks) in order listed; beat at medium speed of mixer until smooth.

Stir in chopped pecans.

Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until stiff; fold into batter. Pour mixture into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Invert pan, and cool cake completely.

Remove from pan. Sprinkle top of cake with powdered sugar.

Source: Southern Living; Home for The Holidays, 1989