Apple Cake (Classic Version) - Joyofbaking.com

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with healthy fats.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds offer a healthier fat profile while pecans are often less expensive.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: oat flour

Whole wheat flour increases fiber content; oat flour can be more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Butter or lightly spray an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment or wax paper.

Cut about 1 lb of Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces, tossing them with 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then mix together.

Add 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter (cooled to room temperature), 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.

Fold in 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/3 cup of raisins, then add the prepared apples and mix until everything is combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula or your hands.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, brush the top of the warm cake with 1/3 cup of heated apricot preserves to glaze it, then let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraîche.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens