Applesauce Fruitcake

Makes 6 9x5 loaf pans OR 3 tube pans •  From the kitchen of Betty Watkins

Ingredients

6 cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped dates
4 cups chopped walnuts
2 cups sugar
1 cup white grape juice
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 pounds candied fruit (optional)
2 cups raisins
1 cup butter
4 eggs
3 cups applesauce

Directions

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, soda and spices. Measure out fruit and nuts, dates and raisins in a very large bowl. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and beat well. Alternately add dry ingredients and grape juice to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix into fruit, nuts and applesauce. Pour into prepared pans weighing about 2 pounds each. Bake at 275 degrees for about 2 hours, or until pick comes out clean. (For a fruitier cake: may also add 2 pounds of cherries and 2 pounds of candied fruit)