Spiced Applesauce Cake with Raisins, Dates, and Pecans

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

3.Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4.In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon.

5.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.

6.Fold in the raisins, chopped dates, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7.Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

8.Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10.Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your Spiced Applesauce Cake with Raisins, Dates, and Pecans!