Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4
Use a 23cm/9 inch square cake tin.
Grease and line the cake tin. Put the raisins, dates, spices and 1/4 pint water in a saucepan. Boil rapidly, then strain and leave to cool. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Add the sugar, margarine and apple puree. Mix well and add all other remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into the baking tin and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test with a warm knife before turning out onto a wire rack to cool. This cake keeps very well.
