Candy Orange Slice Fruitcake

Candy Orange Slice Fruitcake 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 cups applesauce 4 Eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 pound candy orange slices 2 cups chopped pecans 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut 1-1/2 cups candied cherries 1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 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.