1. Preheat oven to 325°.
2. Grease two 9×5 loaf pans and line with parchment paper.
3. Sift flour and spices.
4. Cut gum drops into fourths, and mix those, the raisins and nuts with half of the flour mix.
5. Cream together butter, sugars and eggs.
6. Alternately, add the flour mix without gum drops and then applesauce.
7. Add the baking soda to the hot water and mix it into the batter.
8. Add the vanilla.
9. Add the gumdrops, raisins, and nuts portion of the flour mixture.
10. Bake for 2 hours. If you use a tube pan instead of loaf pans bake 30-40 minutes longer.

This fruitcake can be served right away, but is better if you let it sit in the refrigerator for several days to a week to allow the flavors to meld.