Dear Claudia,
Here is a recipe for a dark fruit cake type that's a bit different, but unbelievably delicious. Even people who don't like fruit cake love this, and it needs no aging. I promise it will bring you raves.
I wish you the happiest of Holidays.
Nikki, in Atlanta

APPLESAUCE DARK FRUIT CAKE

2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup softened butter, margarine, or shortening
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups applesauce
3/4 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.

Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Toss raisins and nuts with 2 tbsp of the flour mixture; set aside.

Cream butter and spices in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time.

At low speed, alternately add in (only until smooth) applesauce, and the flour mixture, followed by the raisins and nuts. Pour into the prepared Bundt pan.

Bake for 55-60 minutes.

Needs no frosting.