Sorting through my pantry I found a lot of dried fruit from last year. Made this "cake" that fits the bill for fruit and nut cake but not fruitcake. Even DH liked it - the hater of fruitcake and is has NO sugar. It is very moist and has the finished look of an upside down cake with a silky apple "topping" that is like frosting but not really sweet.

Apple Walnut Cake with Dried Fruit -no sugar

Chop 1/2 cup walnuts (or more). Cut up and soak 2 cups assorted dried fruit, cover with boiling water to rehydrate for 10 to 30 minutes and drain. (I used dates, golden raisins, apricots, and montmorency sour cherries) Some other options - depending on what is in your pantry - dried cranberries, peaches, pears, figs, pineapple, raisins, though I would not advise using mangoes, bananas, dark cherries, or any kind of berries). Peel 3 apples and cut on the long side about 1/4" thick - I cut down each long side, turn, repeat, so just the core is left and there are good sized slices. Layer 1/2 the biggest apple slices on the bottom of a 8" or 9" spring form pan sprayed with PAM and bottom covered with a parchment round to make it easier to turn out. Chop the rest of the apples a little smaller.

In a medium bowl beat 3-4 eggs and 6-8 tablespoons olive oil with a whisk. Mix in just to combined - 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and any other warm spices like 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, dash of cloves. With a spatula fold in the dried fruit, walnuts, and the rest of the apples - batter is very thick. Spread the mixture over the apple slices. Bake 350F for 1 hour. Let cool 15 minutes then turn out upside down onto a serving plate.

Served warm with whipped cream for me, French vanilla ice cream for DH. Chilled pieces will be heavenly in my very hot breakfast oatmeal tomorrow, for sure.