with Hard Sauce
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1½ cups sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour (high altitude: add ¼ cup flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1¾ cups apple cider
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9- by 13-inch pan.
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating until well combined. Set aside.
Sift together the flour, soda, and spices. Using a large wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients alternately with the cider, stirring well after each addition, and beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake come
