Holiday Bread in a Jar Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Description:
This delightful holiday bread in a jar recipe is perfect for gifting or keeping on hand for a quick treat. Baked right into pint-sized canning jars, these little delights can last for up to 6 months, making them ideal for Christmas presents or anytime treats. Be sure to use pint-sized canning jars with smooth sides and wide mouths to ensure the cakes slide out easily after baking.
Special Equipment:
- 8 pint-size canning jars with lids and rings (smooth sides and wide mouth)
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 2 2/3 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2/3 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1072.1
- Fat: 35.7g
- Saturated Fat: 7.6g
- Cholesterol: 141mg
- Sodium: 1132.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 179.4g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 120.7g
- Protein: 13.2g
Servings: 6 pint-sized jar cakes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the baking soda, salt, baking powder, and spices.
- Gradually add the water alternately with the flour, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and cranberry sauce until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare the Jars:
- Grease 8 pint-size canning jars thoroughly, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- To grease, you can use a brush dipped in melted shortening for easy application.
- Fill each jar halfway with the prepared batter, then wipe the rims clean with a cloth or paper towel.
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Bake the Cakes:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the filled jars on a baking sheet and place them in the oven on the middle rack.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Prepare the Lids:
- While the cakes are baking, bring water to a boil in a large pot.
- Once boiling, turn off the heat and place the lids and caps in the hot water, allowing them to sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Keep the lids in the hot water until you’re ready to use them.
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Seal and Store:
- Once the cakes are done baking, remove the jars from the oven one at a time.
- Wipe the rims clean again and quickly add the lids, screwing them on tightly.
- Let the jars rest on a towel until completely cool. As they cool, they will seal.
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Storage and Gifting:
- These pint-sized jar cakes can be stored for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
- If giving as a gift, top each jar with a pretty fabric and attach a card with the name of the cake, date made, and expiration date.
- If not for gifting, simply write the information on the lid with a permanent marker.
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Enjoy:
- When ready to enjoy, if the cakes do not slide out easily, you can run the jar under hot water for a few seconds or microwave with the lids removed for 2 seconds.
Additional Notes:
- Please note that while these jar cakes make delightful gifts and treats, they are not recommended for canning due to safety concerns.
- Check out additional information from Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service regarding canning safety for breads and cakes here.
