Fresh Apple Cake
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Serves:
Time Required: 30 (1:05 total)

Apples are a rich source of fiber, and in this recipe they are also a great indulgence paired with whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to top off a special dinner. Since we’ve made this recipe so low in fat, be sure to use the whole wheat PASTRY flour for better moisture. If you are going to make the creamed cheese frosting described at the bottom, be sure to add the ingredients you will need to your shopping list.

Ingredients:

4 -- green apple -- chopped 1/2" chunks, approx. 4 c.
3/4 cup(s) sugar -- sucanat is best
3/4 cup(s) olive oil
1/4 cup(s) applesauce
2 egg(s)
1/2 cup(s) walnuts -- optional
3 cup(s) whole wheat pastry flour -- or GF mix
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions

Prep Work:  Peel and chop apples. Chop walnuts.  Store separately.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease bottom of 13x9 pan.

2. Combine apple pieces with sugar and let it sit for 20 minutes to juice.

3. Meanwhile, mix oil, applesauce and eggs together in a mixing bowl.  If using walnuts add them now too.  Sprinkle next six ingredients over the top and then mix all together until just combined (will seem dry). Add apples with their juice stir just until combined.

4. Pour into greased 13x9 baking pan.

5. Bake for 35 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.  (Do not under bake as the center will remain “gooey”.)

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 

-Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting.
-For frosting mix 2 cubes (16oz.)  of cream cheese w/ 1/3 c. honey and 2 tsp. vanilla. Refrigerate if it needs to firm up before spreading. 
-Or for powdered sugar frosting, use 2 c. sugar, 2 Tbsp. softened butter and enough lemon juice to loosen it all up.
-This is my husband’s annual birthday cake, so this year I made the batter into cupcakes and put them on a cupcake tree with candles.  I just reduced the cooking time to 20 min.