Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened2 cups sugar2 cups applesauce4 eggs1/2 cup buttermilk1 pound candy orange slices2 cups chopped pecans2 cups sweetened shredded coconut1-1/2 cups candied cherries1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided1 teaspoon baking soda1/8 teaspoon salt
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the applesauce, eggs and buttermilk. In a large bowl, combine the orange slices, pecans, coconut, cherries, dates and 1 cup of flour; toss to coat. Combine the baking soda, salt and remaining flour; add to the buttermilk mixture. Fold in orange slice mixture.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
