Sift all dry ingredients into large bowl. Add shortening and applesauce; beat 200 strokes. Add eggs and beat 200 strokes. Add dates, nuts and raisins. Pour into well greased tube spring pan. Sprinkle a topping of 1/4 cup chopped nuts and 2 tablespoons sugar mixed together, place on top of cake. Bake 1 hour and 25 minutes at 350 ºF.

Victorian Applesauce Cake 2

2 cups of sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of soda
2 tablespoons of  cocoa
1/2 cup of  shortening
1 1/2 cup of applesauce, unsweetened
3/4 cup of chopped dates and raisins
1/2 cup of  nuts
1/3 cup of  citron
1 1/2 cup of  sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of allspice
2 eggs

TOPPING:
1/4 cup of chopped nuts
2 tablespoons of sugar

Sift flour, sugar, soda, salt, cocoa, and spices in a large bowl. Beat in shortening and applesauce. Beat well for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat well again. Add fruits and nuts; mix thoroughly. Pour into a 10 inch tube pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350ºF.  for 1 hour and 25 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle topping over batter.