Applesauce Fruitcake

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 325°.
2. 2
   Grease 10-inch tube pan.
3. 3
   Line bottom with wax paper and grease again.
4. 4
   In large bowl, beat sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
5. 5
   Add eggs; blend well.
6. 6
   Reserve 1/2 cup flour.
7. 7
   Add remaining 2 3/4 cups flour, soda and spices to egg mixture.
8. 8
   Blend on low speed until moistened.
9. 9
   Beat 2 minutes on medium speed.
10. 10
    Combine reserved flour, nuts, raisins and dates until lightly coated.
11. 11
    By hand, stir fruit and nut mixture and applesauce into batter.
12. 12
    Mix well.
13. 13
    Pour batter into greased and lined tube pan.
14. 14
    Top with cherry and pecan halves.
15. 15
    Bake at 325° for 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
16. 16
    Cool in pan upright 5 minutes.
17. 17
    Remove from pan and remove wax paper.
18. 18
    Turn upright and cool completely on wire rack.
19. 19
    Wrap in foil or plastic to keep moist.
20. 20
    Store in refrigerator.
21. 21
    Serves 20.