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Fresh Apple Flavor in a super-easy cake
This Fresh Apple Cake is a recipe that I have made dozens of times over the years. It is fruity, has nice spice and it’s ready very quickly.
I first ran across this idea a very long time ago, when I was feeding a baby at lunchtime, and watching the news at noon. [it was my chance to find out what was going on in the world!] It came from the guy who had recipes on all the noon news shows at the time – Chef somebody or other. I’ve tweaked this a lot over the years, and it’s a favorite of ours for a quick snack or easy dessert.
The ingredients would already commonly be in most kitchens. Simple ingredients often yield the best results! I strongly recommend toasty the nuts for this cake. The flavor and crunch in this Fresh Apple Cake are so much better that way!
Wet and dry ingredients are combined, first separately, and then together – you only use a box grater, a bowl, a big spoon, and measuring cups and spoons. It doesn’t get much more minimal than that!
Well, there is the pan or dish you bake it in, of course. I use this 7 x 10 baking dish a lot, but an 8 x 8 will also work very well. There are a few links to kitchen equipment I particularly like in the recipe below.
Here is how to make Fresh Apple Cake
Fresh Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil, preferably avocado oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple
- whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and generously butter an 8x8 or 7x10 baking dish.
Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
- Stir the toasted walnuts into the dry ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- Cut the apple into quarters, remove the core, and grate the quarters on a box grater.
- Mix the grated apple, oil, milk, egg, and vanilla in a large measuring cup or 4-cup bowl.
Combining
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients and use a rubber scraper or wide spoon to combine the two. Don't over-mix - this is going to be a rough batter.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and cool on a baking rack for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
- This is very good warm, topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maybe ice cream. It's pretty good plain too!
Notes
Baked Fresh Apple Cake smells so tantalizing!
How to serve Fresh Apple Cake
This cake is definitely at its very best if you eat it while it’s still warm. It is particularly good with ice cream flavors that have caramelly flavors. And whipped cream [even the spray from a can kind!] is a no-brainer.
If you’re looking for other snack cakes, how about a Chocolate Snack Cake? And, I have a Double Apple Bourbon Cake recipe if you like things just a tad more complicated. And Grapefruit Tea Cake is delicious any time of day!
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Another winner my friend!
Thanks Tanya!
Every bite does indeed look amazing! All of the flavors are incredible. And I love these vibrant colors.
Thanks Suja – I agree!
This was delicious. Super moist and just the perfect amount of sweet – we loved it!
I’m so glad to hear that, Justine!
Love this Fresh Apple Cake recipe, so delicious and fluffy. Will make it for the family. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I hope you love it Elisa!
Just tried a bite of this, warm from the oven! Wow, so moist! Will be making again, soon!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – thank you for coming back to tell us!
I made this apple cake after dinner last night and it was amazing! So tender and full of flavor!
Aw, thanks Tayler! 🙂
This is such a delicious and easy recipe. I love not having to peel the apple – thank you for posting it!
Thanks for letting me know, Caitlyn 🙂
Tasted just like the one my mom used to make. So moist and delicious, and easy to make, too! This one is a keeper.
So nice of you to come and tell us that you enjoyed it – thank you!
This apple cake recipe looks like a wonderful dessert. I love the fresh apples and walnut combo. It is perfect with a cup of tea.
I agree Vicky – it makes a lovely addition to tea time ♥
This cake with vanilla ice cream is my new favorite dessert ever. So comforting and such a classic flavor! Loved it.
Vanilla ice cream is how I like it best as well. Thanks!
This apple cake is a favorite around here! So delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks Eva!
All the ingredients that will make this cake superb are present: apples, nuts, brown sugar, warm spice. Nicely done!
Thank you Jackie!
This the easiest cake I have ever made and it came out absolutely perfect – thank you for such an good recipe!
Thanks Tessie – glad you liked it so well. ♥