Orange Slice Candy Cake Recipe

1/2 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cups plain flour
1 pound candy orange slices, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound chopped dates or raisins
2 cups chopped nuts
1 can (8 1/2 ounces) cream of coconut

Frosting:
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup white syrup 

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk and add to creamed mixture.

Place flour in large bowl, add candy, dates, candy and nuts; stir until each piece is coated with flour. Add to creamed mixture. Add coconut and mix well.

Pour batter into large loaf or bundt pan; bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until cake tests done.

For frosting: In saucepan, combine all ingredients. Boil rapidly 1 minute. Beat until creamy; ice cake.

NOTE: Or replace frosting with a sauce of 1 cup fresh orange juice and 2 cups confectioner’s sugar. Beat until smooth and pour over cake. For cream of coconut, check the drink mixers section of your local grocery store, a neighborhood liquor story, or order online.