This cake is from the Smoky Mountain region, where the principal sweetening ingredient in use is still molasses.

4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup molasses
3 eggs
1 cup milk
Applesauce
Confectioners sugar

Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside. Work shortening until soft. Add sugar a little at a time while creaming the mixture. Mix in molasses thoroughly, then beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour combination and milk alternately. Spoon a thin layer of batter, about 1/3 inch, into greased 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan. There will be six or seven thin layers of cake. When all layers are baked and cooled, stack with a generous amount of lightly spiced applesauce between each layer. Sprinkle confectioners' sugar on top.