Applesauce Spice Squares
Apple and spice-infused squares with nuts and raisins offer a moist, flavorful treat suitable for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, combining warm spices with fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift flour with baking soda and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
- Add flour mixture and mix well.
- Stir in applesauce, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Pour batter into a greased 10 x 16 inch pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is well-softened before creaming with sugar. You can substitute half the sugar with applesauce for a healthier option. If you want to add more flavor, consider including a pinch of allspice or ginger. Chopped dates or dried cranberries can be used in place of raisins for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Applesauce Spice Squares 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. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Mary'S Jam Cake for a varied dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold, as they maintain their flavor well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Spice Squares contains roughly 466 calories, with 7g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, which will help replicate the texture of traditional flour. The baking results may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious.
What can I use instead of chopped nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can replace them with additional raisins or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This will still provide a nice crunch to the squares without compromising flavor.
Can I freeze the applesauce squares?
Absolutely! These squares freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a quick snack.
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).