Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray.

Step 2

Place raisins in a small saucepan, cover with water and simmer 3 minutes, then drain well.

Step 3

Sift flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and spices into a large bowl. Add applesauce, oil, and eggs and beat well. Stir in raisins, then spoon into prepared baking pan and bake 30 – 35 minutes until center tests done. Cool on a wire rack until completely cooled.

Step 4

Prepare the frosting:  Using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese and butter, then add the powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk, vanilla, lemon juice and salt and beat until completely smooth. Frost the cake and cut into bar shapes to serve.