Pumpkin Cake In A Jar
A moist and flavorful pumpkin cake baked in jars, featuring warm spices and nuts, perfect for fall gatherings or gift-giving with a rustic charm.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups canned pureed pumpkin ⓘ
- 3 1/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 8 pint-size wide mouth jars with lids and rings ⓘ
- 8 wax paper circles ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together, gradually adding sugar.
- Beat in eggs, pumpkin, and water.
- Set aside the mixture.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, ground cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir well.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into greased canning jars, filling them halfway.
- Place jars on a cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 45 minutes.
- Remove one jar at a time from the oven when done.
- While still warm, place a wax paper circle on top of the cake in the jar.
- Wipe the sealing edge of the jar.
- Place lid on the jar and tighten the ring.
- Turn the jar upside down.
- To serve, open the jar, slide a knife around inside to loosen the cake, and remove it.
- Warm the cake in the oven if desired, then slice and serve with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of half the shortening. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts without compromising the texture. Make sure to fill the jars only halfway to allow for rising during baking. Ensure the jars are well-greased to facilitate easy removal. This cake can also be adapted with spices from other American recipes for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Pumpkin Cake in a Jar pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an autumn-themed dessert table, serve alongside Orange Waldorf Salad for a refreshing contrast. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Each jar makes for a charming presentation at gatherings or as individual gifts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake jars in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the jar (lid removed) in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, covered, for about 30 seconds for a quick treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Cake In A Jar contains roughly 1193 calories, with 24g protein, 271g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (299% of the Daily Value), iron (160% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2128mg per serving (93% 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 pumpkin instead of canned pureed pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth. Make sure to measure the puree accurately, as fresh pumpkin may have a different moisture content compared to canned. This can affect the cake’s texture and baking time.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using applesauce, which can add moisture without the added fat, though it may change the texture slightly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Since baking times can vary based on jar size and oven accuracy, keep an eye on the cakes, especially after the 40-minute mark.
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).