Autumn Apple Apple Cake
I know I have said this before, but I absolutely love the fall season. Unfortunately, here in Chicago it's one of the shortest seasons. But I guess that makes it all the more special and I try to make the very most of it. I get giddy thinking about visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Although, I am less excited about picking pumpkins and apples and more excited to eat fresh apple donuts! It's just a fun season of being outside, and watching the leaves change to vibrant colors of reds, oranges, and yellows. It all brings out a warm fuzzy feeling in me and today is the first day of Autumn! Happy Autumn day friends! :D
In honor of the first day of Autumn, I wanted to make a special cake. I am no stranger to apple desserts. My husband's favorite desserts all include apples. In the past, I've made apple pies, apple crisps, apple crumbles, apple cupcakes, apple pie cookies, caramel apples, apple tarts, etc… But this time around, I wanted a recipe that I could enjoy with a hot cup of tea or apple cider as the weather temperature drops…it all sounds so refreshing.
Something I really appreciate about apple recipes is that you can change up the flavor dramatically by just switching up the type of apple you use. I typically bake with Granny Smith Apples because I enjoy the tartness and their ability to cut down on the sweetness. In this recipe, I chose to use Pink Lady apples. They are slightly sweeter and are still pretty crisp. With this recipe, I will always use Pink Lady apples.
This apple cake is moist with a coffee-cake like textured with ample apple flavor. Each bite contains a mouthful of diced, soft apples and the cinnamon/sugar flavor is subtle and not too overpowering. Because of the amount of apples in this recipe, it's not too sweet. I enjoyed a slice for breakfast this morning with my coffee and it was divine. I hope you get a chance to try out this recipe! It would be perfect to test it out after your next apple picking adventure!
Autumn Apple Apple Cake
6 Pink Lady Apples (Peeled and Diced)
5 Tbs white granulated sugar
1 Tbs Cinnamon
2 3/4 C. whole wheat flour
1 Tbs baking powder
1 Tspn salt
1 C. Vegetable oil
2 C. white granulated sugar
3 tspn vanilla
2 Tbsn Lemon juice
1/4 C. Natural Applesauce
4 eggs
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously spray a bunt pan with cooking spray and lightly flour. Set aside.
2. Mix 5 Tbs of sugar and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Peel and dice apples and thoroughly toss and coat each apple piece.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a large mix bowl.
4. In a medium whisk together the wet ingredients: oil, lemon juice, apple sauce, vanilla and eggs. Mix the wet mixture into the dry.
5. Toss a layer of apples into your prepared pan.
6. Mix the rest of the apples into the batter and pour into pan.
7. Bake for 1hr and 15 min. or until a toothpick is removed cleanly.
Close up to see the beautiful texture!
SO many apples in every bite!!
Mr. Panda couldn't resist the amazing smells!!