As an experienced baker focusing on wholesome ingredients, I’m excited to share this nourishing take on the classic apple cake. This recipe perfectly balances whole grains, fresh fruit, and warm spices to create a cake that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.
The Story Behind This Cake
This rustic cake draws inspiration from traditional European apple cakes, where fresh fruit and nuts take center stage rather than excessive sugar and frosting. The combination of whole wheat flour and applesauce creates a wonderfully moist texture while adding nutritional value, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (120g)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (120ml)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (60ml)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (80ml)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium Granny Smith apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (50g)
Detailed Instructions
- Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan
- Line bottom with parchment paper
- Bring eggs to room temperature
- Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core apples
- Cut into ¼-inch cubes
- Toss with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together both flours
- Add baking powder and baking soda
- Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
- Set aside
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk applesauce and melted coconut oil
- Add maple syrup and vanilla
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined
- Combine and Bake
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
- Stop mixing as soon as flour disappears
- Gently fold in apples and walnuts
- Pour into prepared pan
- Bake 30-35 minutes until golden
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Granny Smith apples for best texture and tartness
- Toast walnuts before adding for enhanced flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure tenderness
- Test doneness with a wooden skewer at 30 minutes
Storage Guidelines
- Room temperature: 2 days covered
- Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
- Frozen: Up to 3 months (wrap well)
Nutritional Information
(Per slice, recipe makes 12 slices)
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Healthy Fats: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
- Iron: 8% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
Time Requirements
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations and Adaptations
- Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Nut-free option: Replace walnuts with pepitas
- Seasonal variations:
- Fall: Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Winter: Include dried cranberries
- Spring: Add lemon zest
- Summer: Include fresh berries
Health Benefits
This cake offers numerous nutritional advantages:
- Whole wheat flour provides fiber and B vitamins
- Apples add natural sweetness and pectin
- Walnuts contribute omega-3 fatty acids
- Applesauce reduces fat while maintaining moisture
- Coconut oil offers medium-chain triglycerides
- Maple syrup provides minerals and antioxidants
This Spiced Apple Walnut Cake successfully bridges the gap between healthy eating and satisfying treats. Its wholesome ingredients make it suitable for breakfast or brunch, while its rich flavor profile ensures it feels special enough for dessert. The natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup reduces the need for refined sugars, while the combination of whole wheat flour and nuts provides sustained energy.
Remember that the cake’s flavor develops over time, making it even better the next day. Serve it slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat, or enjoy it as part of a nutritious breakfast with a dollop of yogurt.
