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Spice Cake in a Jar: A Shelf-Stable Delight

The aroma of spice cake always brings me back to crisp autumn days spent at my grandmother’s. I remember the warmth of her kitchen, the comforting scent of cinnamon and cloves hanging in the air, and the joy of receiving a small, perfectly portioned spice cake in a jar – a treat she lovingly prepared and gifted each year. It wasn’t just the delicious flavor; it was the magic of knowing that little jar held a piece of her love and could be enjoyed long after the season had passed. This recipe captures that very same magic, offering a delightful and incredibly convenient way to savor the flavors of fall any time of year.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yields: 6-8 jars
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2/3 cup shortening
2 2/3 cups sugar
2 cups applesauce
2/3 cup water
4 eggs
2/3 cup nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans are great!)
3 1/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls
Electric Mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wide-Mouth Pint Jars (6-8)
Non-Stick Cooking Spray (like Pam)
Oven

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which will result in a tender cake. Use an electric mixer for best results, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
Add the applesauce, water, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The batter may appear slightly loose at this stage, but don’t worry, it will come together once the dry ingredients are added.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, clove, cinnamon, and baking soda. Whisking ensures that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of baking soda or spice in the finished cake.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
If desired, add the nuts to the batter and fold them in gently.
Spray wide-mouth pint jars with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam) to prevent the cakes from sticking. Ensure that you coat the bottom and sides of each jar thoroughly.
Fill each jar about 1/2 full with the cake batter. This will allow the cakes to rise properly during baking without overflowing. Avoid filling the jars more than 2/3 full, as this could cause a mess in your oven.
Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly 45 minutes. Baking time is crucial for ensuring that the cakes are fully cooked and safe for canning. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Once the cakes are done, remove the jars from the oven one at a time. Immediately screw the lid tightly onto each jar. The heat from the cake will create a vacuum seal as it cools, preserving the cake.
Let the jars set undisturbed until completely cool. As the jars cool, you should hear a “pop” sound, which indicates that the vacuum seal has formed correctly.
Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or move, the jar is properly sealed. If the lid flexes, the jar didn’t seal properly and should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a week.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of shortening.
Consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to the batter for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can substitute with mashed banana or pumpkin puree.
To prevent the nuts from sinking to the bottom of the jars, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
If you want to add raisins, soak them in hot water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter for a plump and juicy addition.
If you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy, use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s properly calibrated.
Make sure the jars and lids are clean and free of any debris before filling them.
If the lids don’t seal during the cooling process, don’t panic. Simply store the unsealed jars in the refrigerator and consume the cakes within a week. You can also try re-processing the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These spice cakes in a jar are perfect for enjoying straight from the jar with a spoon. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more decadent dessert, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

When properly sealed, these cakes can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once a jar is opened, store any remaining cake in the refrigerator and consume within a week.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	914 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	27 g	41%
Saturated Fat	6.9 g	34%
Cholesterol	141 mg	47%
Sodium	1104.5 mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	159.7 g	53%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	89.3 g	N/A
Protein	11.6 g	23%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the ingredients together.
Dairy-Free: Replace the shortening with a dairy-free butter substitute.
Vegan: In addition to using a dairy-free butter substitute, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Spiced Apple Cake: Add 1 cup of diced apples to the batter for a delicious spiced apple cake.
Chocolate Spice Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate spice cake.
Citrus Spice Cake: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright and flavorful citrus spice cake.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?
A: After the jars have cooled completely, press down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or move, the jar is properly sealed. If the lid flexes, the jar didn’t seal properly and should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a week.

Q: Can I use different size jars?
A: Yes, you can use different size jars, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller jars will require less baking time, while larger jars will require more.

Q: Can I freeze these cakes in a jar?
A: While it’s not recommended to freeze the cakes in the glass jars (due to the risk of cracking), you can certainly remove the cake from the jar after baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
A: Walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices for this recipe, but you can also use other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.

Q: Can I add a frosting to these cakes?
A: While these cakes are delicious on their own, you can certainly add a frosting if you desire. A cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze would both be great choices. However, it’s best to add the frosting just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to try this Spice Cake in a Jar recipe and experience the joy of creating a delicious and shelf-stable treat. Whether you’re gifting these cakes to loved ones or simply enjoying them yourself, the warm spices and comforting flavors are sure to bring a smile to your face. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique version of this classic cake. And don’t forget to share your feedback and creations with others – happy baking!

Spice Cake in a Jar Recipe