Easy Mixin Ribbon Cake Recipe

All ingredients should be at room temperature. Sift flour with baking powder, salt and sugar. Add shortening. Add vanilla, eggs and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix until flour is dampened, then beat by hand (150 strokes per minute) or at medium speed of electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape bowl frequently. Add remaining liquid, blend, and beat 2 minutes longer.
Pour half of batter into one layer pan. To remaining batter add molasses and spices, mixing just enough to blend; turn into second pan. Bake. Cool. Then spread raisin filling between layers and lemon icing on top of cake.

Filling: Combine cornstarch, sugar, salt, raisins, lemon juice and rind, and water; mix well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and clear. Stir in butter. Cool before filling cake.

Icing: Cream lemon rind with butter or margarine. Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.