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Preheat oven to 325°.
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Butter the 12" cast iron skillet.
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Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt together and sift.
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In a large sauce pan, melt the butter.
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Remove from heat and slow stir in the sugar, applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and eggs.
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Gradually add in the flour mixture, taking care to mix well.
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Once combine, stir in the raisins and the pears.
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Pour in the skillet.
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Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow to set for 10 minutes, then remove it from the cast iron pan and place it on a cooling rack.
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If using powdered sugar, sprinkle the top of the cake.
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Slice into wedges and serve with the optional vanilla bean ice cream.