Rich, warmly spiced, and generously frosted for true comfort-food vibes.

—Recipes by Chef Steph

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE: 

• • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups applesauce
  • 1 cup golden raisins soaked In apple juice (optional.. I’m not a fan. But go on if you’re into raisins)
  • 1½ cups chopped walnuts

INGREDIENTS FOR THE FROSTING:

• • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS FOR THE CAKE:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. Grease a 9- by 13-inch pan well with shortening.
3. Sift together the flour, spices and baking soda. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugars, shortening and butter.
5. Add the eggs continue mixing until well-combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, alternating with adding the applesauce. Then, fold in raisins and nuts.
7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE FROSTING:

1. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, mix and heat the brown sugar, milk and water.
2. When the ingredients are completely dissolved, remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and powdered sugar.
3. Beat with a spoon until the mixture is the right consistency to spread.
4. Add a bit more milk or sugar, depending on the texture you want, if needed.