Easy Apple Cake

This Easy Apple Cake holds a special place in my heart because it was passed down from my great-grandmother to my mum. Even though the original recipe is already simple, I like to modify some of them by adding healthy twists. For instance, I replaced refined sugar with natural sweeteners like applesauce and honey.

Every time I prepare it, it feels like going back to my childhood at my grandparents’ house. My grandfather would wake me up early and the thought of having fresh apple cake for breakfast was the only thing that could get me out of bed. Additionally, since apples are one of the less sweet fruits suitable for my granny’s diabetes, she would enjoy a slice by my side while we chatted.

There are many regional variations, such as the German “Apfelkuchen”, which includes a yeast-based dough or a buttery crust. The American version has a denser texture and contains chopped apples and nuts mixed into the batter. People often associate apple cake with festivals and comforting family gatherings, especially in the fall when apples are in season. You can enjoy it as a nutritious breakfast or snack, but it also makes a dessert served plain or with whipped cream or ice cream.

I enjoy cutting this Easy Apple Cake into squares and sprinkling them with powdered sugar on top. My grandmother used to add some white sugar in the last minutes of cooking to create a crust. Another option is to add almonds to the batter, which pair very well with apples and provide more additional nutrients.

Ingredients for healthy apple cake

• Eggs: they help bind the ingredients together and they are crucial for maintaining the cake’s shape, preventing it from crumbling. Additionally, eggs are a great source of protein and contribute to a fluffy and tender texture. Finally, thanks to them, the Easy Apple Cake is richer and more satisfying.

• Apples: I use red apples but other varieties are great, and you can either cut them into chunks, slices or grated. Nevertheless, I would avoid using Granny Smith because of their acidic flavor that I personally find too strong. When added to the batter, sliced apples provide moisture and prevent the cake from becoming dry. Additionally, apples are a great source of vitamins and fiber, making the sweet recipe even more nutritious.

• Flour: this is the primary structure and foundation of the apple cake, and the gluten traps air bubbles, helping the cake rise and maintain its shape. For this recipe, I use all-purpose flour, which is the most common and contributes to a tender crumb, while other types can influence the cake’s texture. Moreover, all-purpose flour has a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.

• Almond milk: this ingredient contributes to the hydration and prevents the cake from becoming dry. Almond milk has a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and the spices, but you can use any type of plant-based milk (or regular cow’s milk) you prefer. In this case, almond milk is a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free diet. Additionally, it has fewer calories and can be fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D.

• Olive oil: it adds moisture to the batter, and its fat content contributes to a tender and light crumb. Olive oil provides a fruity peppery flavor, adding depth to the dessert. Additionally, this oil is rich in heart-healthy fats, making the apple cake a healthier option compared to butter or other oils.

• Baking powder: it creates bubbles in the batter, causing it to rise and become light and fluffy while preventing the cake from being too dense. When mixed with wet ingredients and exposed to heat, baking powder initiates a chemical reaction that produces gas, allowing the cake to rise.

• Applesauce: this adds additional moisture to the batter and acts as a natural sweetener, reducing the need for added refined sugars. Additionally, applesauce can replace some or all the fat, such as oil and butter, making the apple cake lighter.

• Honey: another natural sweetener that enhances the overall taste of the cake and helps retain moisture. Honey prolongs the freshness of the cake, allowing it to be stored for a few days. Additionally, honey offers health benefits, such as antibacterial properties.

• Vanilla extract: its scent is inviting and comforting, making the cake smell delicious while baking. Vanilla combines well with apples, almonds, and spices such as cinnamon.

• Cinnamon: this spice adds a warm and spicy flavor, contributing to the cake’s cozy taste experience. Ground cinnamon also has health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Finally, it enhance the appearance by giving the Easy Apple Cake a golden-brown color.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare a quick apple cake

In a large bowl, beat the eggs ,then add oil, honey, milk, applesauce , and vanilla extract . Mix to combine.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Stir to combine and fold in the sliced apples.

Pour the batter into the pan , spreading it with a spatula, and bake for about 20-25 minutes at 180°C. Once cold, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

My tips for a soft cake

• For a more complex flavor and more nutritious cake, add sliced almonds to the batter.

• You can substitute honey with the same amount of agave or maple syrup.

• For a vegan recipe, replace the eggs with one of these options: 3 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 9 tbsp of water, letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes; or 3 tbsp of chia seeds with 9 tbsp of water; or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce; or 1/4 cup of mashed banana to replace each egg.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!

Easy Apple Cake

Course: Dessert, Snacks, BreakfastCuisine: Vegetarian

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• All-purpose flour 10 tbsp (160gr)

• Almond milk 6 tbsp

• Olive oil 4 tbsp

• Baking powder 1 package

• Applesauce 4 tbsp

• Honey 3 tbsp

• Vanilla extract 1/4 tsp

• Ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp

• Apples 2-3 sliced

Directions

• Preheat the oven at 180°C.
• Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs ,then add oil, honey, milk, applesauce , and vanilla extract . Mix to combine.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Stir to combine and fold in the sliced apples.
• Pour the batter into the pan , spreading it with a spatula, and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
• Once cold, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

Notes

• For a more complex flavor and more nutritious cake, add sliced almonds to the batter.
• You can substitute honey with the same amount of agave or maple syrup.
• For a vegan recipe, replace the eggs with one of these options: 3 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 9 tbsp of water, letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes; or 3 tbsp of chia seeds with 9 tbsp of water; or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce; or 1/4 cup of mashed banana to replace each egg.