Applesauce Jar Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake baked in jars, perfect for gifting. Spiced with cinnamon, it combines the comforting taste of apples with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening and sugar.
- Beat in eggs, applesauce, and 2/3 cup sugar.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture and mix well.
- Optional: Fold in 2/3 cup chopped nuts and raisins.
- Pour the batter into well-greased wide-mouth pint canning jars, filling only half full.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove jars one at a time and wipe sealing edges clean.
- Place on lids (boiled in water) and tighten with rings.
- Screw lids tight and allow jars to cool; they will seal as the cake cools.
- Store as you would regular canned goods or give as a gift.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can also replace part of the applesauce with mashed bananas for a unique twist. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia, keeping in mind that the texture may change slightly. Adding spices such as nutmeg or allspice can enhance the taste, similar to Big T'S Oatmeal Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Jar Cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. It also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider gifting it as a charming treat, especially during the holidays, making it a perfect match for American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing. Keep the sealed jars in a cool, dark place, and they can last for several months. If you have opened jars, store them in the refrigerator and consume within a week. To reheat, remove the lid, place in a microwave-safe dish, and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Jar Cake contains roughly 990 calories, with 9g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2543mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
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 homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresh flavor to your cake. Just make sure it's unsweetened or adjust the sugar accordingly. If your applesauce is very liquidy, consider reducing the amount slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
How do I know when the cake is done baking in jars?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the jars.
Can I add other ingredients to the cake mix?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with ingredients like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or different nuts. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients to ensure the cake bakes properly in the jars.
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).