If using optional rum, soak raisins in rum for one hour before using. Otherwise, soak raisins in one cup warm water for for one hour. Drain and set aside.
Sift all dry ingredients together, including spices, except baking soda. Set aside.
Add baking soda to applesauce. Mix well and set aside too.
Cream butter and sugar. Beat for 3 minutes on medium speed mixer. Stop and scrape down sides and bottom at least twice.
Add eggs, one at a time until each egg is well incorporated.
Mix in applesauce. This may look broken, it's not.
On low speed, mix in sifted dry ingredients. Fold in by hand the raisins and nuts.
Grease and flour a 10 cup Bundt cake pan. Pour in cake batter.
In a preheated 300°F fahrenheit oven, bake cake for 90 minutes, yes 90 minutes!
Cool cake. Cover with powdered sugar and serve with fresh whipped cream.
Recipe by grandma Flora. Steven's most amazing and fabulous grandmother. Passed down to taylor68too.
