Applesauce-Fruitcake

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups applesauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, apricots, etc.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and applesauce.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
4. Fold in the walnuts and dried fruit.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Fruitcakes are believed to have originated in ancient Rome and were popular in Medieval Europe.
• Fruitcakes are a popular holiday treat in many countries.
• Applesauce is a great substitute for oil in baking recipes.