Applesauce Squares
Delicious applesauce squares combine fruity flavors with warm spices and raisins, perfect for a cozy snack or dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch cookie sheet or cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add the shortening, applesauce, raisins, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeats to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until done, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you don't have nutmeats, chopped walnuts or pecans are great substitutes. You can replace shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor or use applesauce in place of some sugar for a healthier twist. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Applesauce Squares are delightful as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a simple salad or as a sweet end to a cozy dinner. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread, complementing dishes like Creamy Baked Corn.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Applesauce Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Squares contains roughly 1331 calories, with 21g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can substitute fresh apples for applesauce by peeling, coring, and pureeing them. Use about 1 cup of pureed fresh apples for every cup of applesauce. Keep in mind that fresh apples may require additional sugar depending on their sweetness.
How can I make these squares healthier?
To make these squares healthier, consider using whole grain flour and reducing the sugar by half. You can also add more fruits, like chopped apples or pears, and use unsweetened applesauce to cut down on added sugars. Additionally, using coconut oil instead of shortening can be a healthier fat option.
Can I freeze Applesauce Squares?
Absolutely! You can freeze Applesauce Squares for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a quick treat.
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).