Applesauce Or Jam Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce or jam cake with warm spices, perfect for autumn gatherings or teatime indulgence, combining fruity sweetness with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten eggs and applesauce or jam, and beat thoroughly.
- Sift the flour, measuring it accurately, and sift with baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Beat thoroughly after each addition.
- Pour the batter into a well-oiled loaf pan.
- Bake in a moderate 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you don’t have sour milk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Feel free to add nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor. The spices can be adjusted to your preference, and using a blend of applesauce and jam can enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Or Jam Cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider drizzling caramel nut frosting on top or serving it alongside a fruit peanut salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Or Jam Cake contains roughly 1156 calories, with 13g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2234mg per serving (97% 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 unsweetened applesauce instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce, but you may want to increase the sugar slightly to maintain the sweetness of the cake. Start by adding an extra quarter cup of sugar and adjust to taste. This will help balance the flavors, especially if you're using spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with equal parts unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will provide a rich flavor and moisture to the cake. However, note that butter will give a slightly different texture compared to shortening, making the cake a bit denser.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just ensure it's completely cooled before wrapping it. If you plan to serve it later, you can also freeze it and then thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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).