2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. each, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg
1 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup water
1 stick melted butter
2 eggs
1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Set oven at 350 F.
Grease two 8 or 9 inch cake pans, line with waxed or parchment paper, grease paper.
Beat all ingredients together in large bowl on low speed till blended, Then beat on high speed about 3 minutes. Pour into pans.
Bake about 50 minutes till wooden pick come out clean. Cool ten minutes then remove from pan. Cool completely before frosting.
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Browned Butter Frosting
as you can see in the picture, this doesn't make quite enough to cover the sides. I used orange marmalade between the layers. If you wanted frosting there too, I'd suggest doubling the recipe.
Heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat till delicate brown. Off heat, mix in 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, and about 2 tablespoons of milk till smooth and spreadable.
