Spiced Apple Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325F.
2. 2
   Grease 2 (9-inch) cake pans and line bottoms with wax paper or parchment paper.
3. 3
   Grease paper and dust pans with flour, knocking out excess.
4. 4
   Heat currants and brandy in a small heavy saucepan over low heat until currants are plumped, about 3 minutes, then cool.
5. 5
   Sift together flour, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
6. 6
   Beat together butter, shortening, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined well, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
7. 7
   With mixer at low speed, alternately beat in flour mixture and applesauce in 3 batches.
8. 8
   Fold in currants with brandy remaining in pan.
9. 9
   Divide batter between cake pans and bake in middle of oven until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
10. 10
    Cool cakes in pans on a rack 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Invert onto rack and cool to warm or room temperature.