Spicy Applesauce Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIrections

Heat the oven to 350° F and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, with a wooden spoon cream together the sugar and butter until well combined. Stir in the flour, ancho chile powder, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir together the baking soda and applesauce then add it to the batter. Stir until well combined then stir in the raisins and pecans.

Spread the cake batter into the skillet then bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until browned and an inserted knife comes out clean.