Mom'S Apple Molasses Bars
Mom's Apple Molasses Bars are rich, moist loaves bursting with molasses, walnuts, raisins, and applesauce, offering warm, spiced flavors perfect for holiday baking or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and molasses.
- Add dry ingredients: salt, soda, and flour.
- Stir in lemon rind, chopped walnuts, raisins, candied red cherries, and applesauce.
- Mix well until combined.
- Divide batter evenly and pour into 2 greased and floured bread pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until done.
- Cool the loaves before frosting with buttercream frosting.
- Optional: Sprinkle with candied cherries, chopped walnuts, or silver shots for decoration.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be good substitutes. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps, which helps with the texture of the bars.
Serving Suggestions
These apple molasses bars are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Craig'S Party Mix for a balanced dessert platter. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Apple Molasses Bars contains roughly 3970 calories, with 50g protein, 433g carbohydrates, and 249g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), potassium (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use fresh apples, but you will need to peel and finely chop them before adding. Keep in mind that this may change the texture and moisture level of the bars, so adjust the flour slightly if needed.
How can I make these bars more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which complement the molasses and apple well. Additionally, a splash of vanilla extract can add a wonderful aroma and depth to the bars.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these bars vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg, allowing it to sit until it thickens.
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).