Easy Apple-Walnut Snack Cake: A Fresh Take on Apple Pie

I’ve perfected this rustic apple cake that combines the comfort of traditional apple pie with the ease of a snack cake. The unpeeled apples add nutrition and texture, while walnuts and raisins create delightful bursts of flavor throughout.

The Secret to Success

The key to this recipe lies in letting the apples marinate briefly with the sweetener and spices, allowing them to release their natural juices and create a more flavorful cake.

Prep & Timing Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 pieces

Equipment Needed

• Rectangular glass baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Fine mesh sieve for dusting

Ingredients

For the Apple Mixture

• 4 medium apples (about 800g)
• 100g raisins
• 50g chopped walnuts
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 120ml water
• Ground cinnamon to taste

For the Batter

• 260g all-purpose flour or oat flour
• 90g stevia sweetener (or 180g sugar)
• 12g baking powder
• 120ml vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• Pinch of salt

For Finishing

• Butter for greasing
• Icing sugar for dusting

Detailed Instructions

Preparing the Apples

1. Prepare apples:

• Wash thoroughly
• Remove cores
• Cut into 1/2-inch cubes (unpeeled)
• Place in large bowl

1. Create apple mixture:

• Sprinkle with lemon juice
• Add water
• Add vanilla sugar
• Add sweetener
• Mix well

1. Add dry ingredients:

• Fold in raisins
• Add chopped walnuts
• Sprinkle with cinnamon
• Add pinch of salt
• Let marinate 10 minutes

Making the Batter

1. Combine wet ingredients:

• Beat eggs until fluffy
• Stream in oil while whisking
• Add vanilla essence
• Mix until well combined

1. Mix dry ingredients:

• Whisk flour
• Add baking powder
• Add remaining sweetener
• Add salt

1. Combine mixtures:

• Add dry to wet gradually
• Mix until just combined
• Fold in marinated apple mixture

Baking Process

1. Prepare pan:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
• Grease baking dish thoroughly

1. Transfer and bake:

• Pour batter into dish
• Level surface
• Bake 40-45 minutes until:
  • Golden brown
  • Toothpick comes clean
  • Edges pull away slightly

1. Finishing:

• Cool 15 minutes in pan
• Dust with icing sugar
• Cut into squares

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith
2. Don’t overmix batter once flour is added
3. Tap pan gently to remove air bubbles
4. Check cake at 35 minutes
5. Let cool before cutting

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: 2 days covered
• Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: 10 seconds in microwave

Nutritional Information (per piece)

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 47mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 5g

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast options:
• With coffee or tea
• Warmed with butter
• With yogurt
• Dessert options:
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Variations

Healthier Version

• Use oat flour
• Reduce oil to 100ml, add applesauce
• Use all stevia instead of sugar

Spiced Version

• Add 1 teaspoon ginger
• Include 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Add 1/8 teaspoon cloves

Nutty Version

• Add pecans
• Include almonds
• Mix in pistachios

Perfect for:

• Breakfast
• Afternoon tea
• School lunches
• Coffee dates
• Holiday gatherings
• Potlucks

This apple-walnut cake offers the perfect balance of fresh fruit, warm spices, and nutty crunch, making it an ideal treat for any time of day.