Here's the recipe from Good Housekeeping cookbook.

Jim's Applesauce Cake

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup snipped, pitted dates
3/4 cup light or dark raisins
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup soft shortening
1//2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 1/2 cups canned applesauce

To prepare cake: Start heating oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 3 quart ring mold on bottom and sides. Sift flour, soda, salt. Toss 2 tablespoons flour mixture with dates, raisins, nuts.

In large electric-mixer bowl, with mixer at medium speed, or "cream", mix shortening, spices and cocoa. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, or "blend", beat in alternately, just until smooth, flour mixture and applesauce. Stir in date mixture. Turn into ring mold. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on a cake rack for 10-15 minutes. With spatula, loosen cake around edges. Place rack over top of cake; invert pan and rack together; then place rack on table. Lift off pan; place second rack lightly on bottom of cake; invert both racks with cake to turn cake right side up. Finish cooling.