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• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup chopped dates or raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• sifted confectioners' sugar or vanilla glaze

In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg until well blended. Stir in dates or raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan or loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake for 10 minutes in pan on rack. Remove from pan and cool completely on rack. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze (see notes).

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sift before measuring
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, soft
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk