Apple Butter Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• dash ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 8 oz apple butter
• walnut or pecan halves, optional

Instructions

1. Generously grease and flour bottoms of 3 8-inch layer cake pans. Measure sifted flour, baking soda, salt, and spices into sifter. Measure milk into a 2-cup measure; add vinegar.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift in dry ingredients in about 4 additions, alternating with the soured milk. Beat on low speed just until blended. Stir in the apple butter and pour into pans. Bake in preheated 350° oven for 30 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly touched with finger. Cool in pans on racks for 5 minutes. Loosen sides with a knife; turn out onto racks. Cool layers completely. Put layers together with cream cheese frosting or a Butter Frosting, then frost sides and top. Garnish with walnuts or pecans, if desired.