Applesauce Spice Cake

1 cup applesauce
3/4 cup brown sugar (or Splenda/brown sugar mixture)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon. cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
Put the raisins in a microwavable dish with 2 tablespoons water. Microwave them on high for a minute and let them stand for five minutes. Meanwhile, blend applesauce, sugar, and oil in a large mixer bowl. Add remaining ingredients except nuts and raisins. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Discard any remaining water from the raisins; fold in raisins and nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9x9-inch cake pan; bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes. Great with or without frosting.

Notes:
This is a moist, delicious cake. It is so easy to make that kids can do it. In fact, this was one of my daughter's tried and true recipes when she was about 10 years old.