4th of July Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Glaze
The 4th of July just so happens to be one of my favorite holidays .... and not because it's my birthday (it's true, it really is my birthday!) .... I just love the patriotism and seeing all of the red, white and blue ...I love the BBQ's, the parades and the fireworks. I just love all of it!
Growing up with a birthday on the 4th of July, I believed that all of that fun stuff was just for me ..... and who am I kidding? I still sorta believe it! ;) I believe it is the coolest birthday to have and I'm glad that the the whole country celebrates with me ... well, sort of celebrates with me! I'm sure y'all aren't thinking about Jamie over at Love Bakes Good Cakes while your getting your grub on or while you're admiring the night sky filled with those fantastic fireworks displays! And that's ok .... I'm not even mad about it - as long as you're having fun and enjoying the freedom that so many men and women fought so hard for us to have! I really believe we live in the best country on earth and I'm glad we have a day, that as a nation, we celebrate our independence!
I found this recipe for Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Glaze probably close to 15 or 20 years ago?! It's been so long, I can't even remember! I don't remember the original source, but what I do know is that it reminds me of a very old-fashioned cake .... maybe something similar to what our great great gramma's may have made?! It's full of fruit and nuts with a chocolate-spice tone that's not overly sweet. The Caramel Glaze pairs well with the cake, giving it just a little bit of sweetness. It's such a great cake and I hope you'll give it a try! 
4th of July Apple Spice Cake with Caramel GlazePrintable recipeYield: 12-18 servings
For the cake:½ cup butter, softened1 cup sugar3 large eggs1 cup applesauce2 cups all-purpose flour1½ tsp. baking powder½ tsp. baking soda¼ tsp. salt1 tsp. ground cinnamon½ tsp. ground cloves½ tsp. allspice½ tsp. ground ginger½ tsp. nutmeg½ cup cocoa½ cup buttermilk1 cup raisins1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped **(see note below)
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the applesauce and combine.
On a large piece of waxed paper or in a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices and cocoa.
Using a rubber spatula, alternately fold half of the dry ingredients, all of the buttermilk and then the remaining flour mixture into the applesauce mixture. Stir in the raisins and pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level with the spatula. Bake on the center oven rack for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted near the center of the cake tests clean.
Cool on a rack for about 10 minutes - then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on the rack. Top with Caramel Glaze (recipe below).
For the Caramel Glaze:Yield: about 2 cups
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar4 tbsp. butter½ cup milk2 cups powdered sugar1 tsp. vanilla extract
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the brown sugar and butter to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and add the milk (be careful, it may splatter!) Return the pan to the heat and bring it back to a boil. Add the powdered sugar and stir constantly until it is fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Drizzle the sauce over the cooled cake.
**NOTE** To toast pecans: Bake in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes.
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