Applesauce Christmas Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon mace
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups dark raisins
• 1 1/2 cups broken pecans
• 1 lb. candied cherries, halved
• 2 cups hot applesauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and mace. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs: Beat the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Combine Fruits and Nuts: In a separate bowl, mix the dark raisins, broken pecans, and halved candied cherries with the flour mixture. This helps to prevent the fruit from sinking into the batter.

6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the fruit and nut mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the hot applesauce. Mix until just combined.

7. Prepare the Pan: Pour the batter into a large, greased, floured tube pan, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious spiced fruitcake! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat any time of year!