Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" round pan., In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter., Add the eggs and beat well., In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients., Add the dry ingredients alternately with the applesauce to the creamed mixture., Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts, and stir until just mixed., Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean., Remove from the oven and, after 10 minutes, turn the cake out of the pan onto a rack to cool completely., Store, covered, at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.