Grandma L'S Applesauce Fruitcake
A moist, flavorful fruitcake featuring applesauce and warm spices, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings with a tender crumb and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together shortening and sugar.
- Add applesauce and egg, then sift dry ingredients and add to the mixture.
- Fold in chopped nuts and fruit, then pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven and rub some apple juice on top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool, then optionally rub more apple juice on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have nuts on hand, you can substitute with raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps in the cake. Another great option is to add some diced pineapple to the batter, reminiscent of Furr'S Pineapple Millionaire Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce fruitcake is delicious served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful twist, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside Apple Sour Cream Cake for a dessert spread. A cup of hot tea or coffee complements the flavors nicely, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap the fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes to restore its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma L'S Applesauce Fruitcake contains roughly 1064 calories, with 22g protein, 213g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% 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 enhance the flavor of your fruitcake. Just ensure it's thick and not too watery, as consistency is key to the cake's texture. You can also adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of your homemade applesauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains a binding agent, or add a bit of xanthan gum to help with the cake's structure. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How can I enhance the spice flavor in this fruitcake?
To intensify the spice flavor in your fruitcake, consider adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or cloves. Nutmeg is another excellent addition that pairs well with apples. You could also infuse the applesauce with a splash of vanilla extract or even a touch of rum for a festive twist.
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).