Holiday Gumdrop Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 9 cups raisins
• 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 pounds gum drops (no black licorice gum drops)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves (optional)
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon hot water