Coat a 9x9x2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, snipped dates or mixed dried fruit bits, wheat bran, baking powder, orange peel, and salt. Make a well in the center. Set aside.
In another bowl, stir together applesauce, fat-free milk, egg product or egg, and cooking oil. Add all at once to dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Spread the coffee cake batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the broken pecans over batter.
Bake the coffee cake in a 375 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
If you like, stir together the powdered sugar and enough of the apple or orange juice to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the coffee cake. Serve warm. Makes 9 servings.