Mrs. Jackson's Applesauce Cake

This is another vintage apple cake recipe.  This one is from my great grandmother, whom I am told was called "Big Mamma."  I never met Big Mamma, but my own mom was quite fond of her.  This is one of the only recipes that I have from her.

This recipe calls for maraschino cherries, which I personally do not care for in baked goods.  A cup or so of raisins or dried cherries soaked in warm water or a little bit of rum and then drained can be substituted for the maraschino cherries if desired.  I don't know how big a "small" package of dates is, so just use your best judgement.

Mrs. Jackson's Applesauce Cake

3 C. applesauce
1 C. melted butter
2 C. sugar
4 C. flour
2 t. cinnamon
2 t. nutmeg
2 t. cloves
3 t. baking soda
1 lb. chopped pecans
1 medium sized jar maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
1 small package of dates (chopped)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Grease a large tube pan and line bottom with parchment.

Mix together applesauce, butter, and sugar.  In another bowl combine flour, spices, and baking soda and sift well (original recipe says to sift 3-4 times).  Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture and stir until just combined.  Add pecans, cherries, and dates.  Pour into pan.  Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, then raise oven temp to 300 degrees and continue cooking for 1 hour and 15 minutes.