Canned Applesauce Cake(Makes A Great Gift)
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake preserved in jars, perfect for gifting or enjoying later. Spiced with cinnamon and cloves, it offers comforting, fruity goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening with sugar.
- Beat in eggs and applesauce.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Blend the dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture.
- Add chopped nuts and raisins; mix well.
- Fill clean, greased or oiled wide mouth pint jars with prepared batter.
- Bake open jars about 60 minutes in an oven at 325°F.
- When done, quickly remove one hot jar at a time and clean the sealing edge.
- Immediately apply and firmly tighten a two-piece wide mouth canning lid.
- Jars will form a vacuum seal as they cool.
- Cooled jars of cake can be stored with other canned foods or in the freezer.
- The cake is safe to eat as long as jars remain vacuum sealed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. This will reduce fat while keeping moisture. If you don’t have raisins, try using chopped dried apricots or cranberries. Ensure your jars are sterilized before use to maintain safety and extend shelf life. If you're short on time, you can also bake the batter in a regular cake pan instead of jars.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake makes a delightful gift and pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Anytime Salad to balance the sweetness. It also works wonderfully as a breakfast item.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled jars in a cool, dark place, like a pantry, where they can last for up to a year if sealed properly. If you choose to freeze them, ensure the jars are freezer-safe and leave some headspace for expansion. To reheat, simply open the jar and warm the cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Canned Applesauce Cake(Makes A Great Gift) contains roughly 1083 calories, with 12g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% 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 store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought applesauce works well in this recipe and can save you time. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to control the sugar levels in your cake. If you're looking for a unique flavor, try cinnamon or spiced applesauce for an extra kick.
How long can I store the cake in jars?
If sealed properly, the cake can last for up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, consume it within a week for the best flavor and texture. If you notice any discoloration or off smells, it's best to discard it.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to customize the cake by adding chocolate chips or swapping nuts for seeds. Just keep in mind that additional ingredients may affect the baking time slightly, so monitor the jars closely as they bake.
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).