Applesauce Cake Bars
Moist and flavorful applesauce cake bars with warm cinnamon and spice notes, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to those who love fruity, spiced treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Add applesauce, eggs, and shortening to the dry ingredients.
- Using a mixer at low speed, beat just until moistened.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes.
- Spread the batter in a greased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider using homemade applesauce or adding a bit of vegetable oil alongside the shortening. If you're out of cloves or allspice, you can substitute with additional cinnamon or nutmeg. To enhance the flavor, add chopped nuts or raisins, similar to those in Ginger Raisin Cookies. Remember to sift your dry ingredients to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these applesauce cake bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve alongside Melba Delight for a balanced dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap them well in plastic wrap.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cake Bars contains roughly 125 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a blend of both for better results. This will add a nutty flavor and increase fiber content, appealing to those seeking healthier options in American recipes.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this applesauce cake bars recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the shortening with coconut oil or another plant-based butter. The applesauce will help keep the bars moist.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cake?
You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste. For a spiced version, consider incorporating a dash of ginger or cardamom, which pairs well with the existing spices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).