Apple cake with whole apples

Enjoy the heartwarming goodness of an apple cake with whole apples, where every bite reveals the juicy, tender flavor of whole apples in a moist, lightly spiced cake. This dessert isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but also a lovely centerpiece for any table. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

You’ll fall in love with this whole apple cake for many reasons. The combination of whole apples and a perfectly moist cake creates a texture contrast that’s hard to resist. The apples remain tender yet firm, offering a burst of flavor in every slice. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your home with a cozy, inviting scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting for dessert.

How to make apple cake with whole apples

Ingredients you need

For the apple filling:

• 7-10 apples (depending on size): Choose firm and slightly tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the apple filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apples, creating a delicious caramel-like layer.
• Juice from 1 lemon: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of tanginess.
• Cinnamon (as preferred): Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples with a warm, spicy note.
• Walnuts (chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor complementing the apples and spices.

For the batter:

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter, balancing the tartness of the apples.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Substitutes

If you’re looking to make some substitutions, consider the following:

• Apples: Pears can be used for a different fruit experience.
• Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can work as an alternative.
• Walnuts: Try pecans or almonds if you prefer a different type of nut.
• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar, but adjust the quantity to taste and for consistency.

Equipment

To create this delectable apple cake with whole apples, you’ll need the following key equipment:

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer: To ensure smooth, well-incorporated batter.
• Baking dish: a glass baking dish or cake pan works well for this recipe.
• Parchment paper: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove.
• Knife and cutting board: For preparing the apples.
• Spatula: For folding in the apple filling into the batter.
• Cooling rack: Allow the cake to cool evenly after baking.

Instructions to bake the whole apple cake

Preparations

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Peel, and core whole apples, ensuring they are uniform in size.

Baking

• Heat a baking dish in the oven (I used a heat proof glass one)
• Melt 4 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan on the stove.
• When the sugar begins to slightly caramelize, pour into the hot baking dish and move the dish so that the caramelized sugar sticks to the walls until it’s spread completely and has a light amber color.
• Let the caramelized sugar to cool until apples are prepared.
• Clean and peel apples and pick the middle and seeds out with a small, sharp knife or an apple corer
• Add the peeled apples over the caramelized sugar into the baking dish.
• Sprinkle the other 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon and walnuts.
• Randomly place small pieces of butter
• Drizzle lemon juice.
• Move the dish to the oven and bake the apples for approx. 20- 25 min.
• Make the batter while the apples are baking
• In a bowl, cream egg yolks with sugar until the mixture is a light and fluffy.
• Whisk flour and baking powder and gradually add to the egg yolks.
• Beat the egg whites until they foamy and then mix with the rest of the batter by gently folding it in.
• When the apples are soft, remove from oven.
• Pour the batter over and return the dish back to the oven.
• Bake for additional 20-30 minutes, until the cake is done (you can check with a toothpick inserted in the batter).
• Take the cake out of the oven and serve as is or place a large plate over the pot and flip it quickly so the apples will be on top

Tips for perfect results

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything incorporate smoothly and can result in a more even bake.
2. Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and fluffy.
3. Check apple placement: Make sure the apples are evenly distributed to ensure every slice has a delightful surprise inside.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Apple Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground cloves and nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warm, spicy flavor.
2. Apple-Raisin Cake: Incorporate a handful of raisins into the apple filling mixture for a chewy, sweet contrast.
3. Glazed Apple Cake: Top the cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
4. Almond Apple Cake: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a richer, nuttier flavor and texture.

What to serve with

• Butter pecan ice cream: The cold, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced cake.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and a bit of decadence.
• Non alcoholic sangria: The fruity, refreshing beverage complements the apple cake perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of apples work best for this recipe? Any firm, tart-sweet variety such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala will work well. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mushy.
2. Can I use a different type of apples? Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties, keeping in mind that some apples may be sweeter or more tart than others.
3. How do I prevent the apples from sinking? Ensure that the apples are well-coated with the sugar and spice mixture and are evenly distributed before covering with batter.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

For longer storage, store it in a freezer. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

More apple recipes you’ll enjoy

• Apple roses
• Apple ring with puff pastry
• Caramel apple crepes
• Cinnamon apple cake
• Caramel apple cinnamon rolls

Serving Size

One apple cake with whole apples serves approximately 8-10 people. To scale the recipe, simply adjust the ingredient quantities and ensure that you use a larger cake tin if needed.

Apple cake with whole apples is a deliciously simple and comforting dessert that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Experiment with different variations and enjoy this classic treat with your favorite accompaniments for a delightful experience every time. Happy baking!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 3 votes

1x2x3x

Apple cake with whole apples

Enjoy the delightful taste of apple cake with whole apples, a unique dessert that captures the essence of fresh apples baked to perfection!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: European

Servings: 8

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going into sleep mode

Ingredients

For the apple filling

• 7-10 apples depending on size; I used 10 small
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• juice from 1 lemon
• cinnamon as preferred
• 1/2 cup walnuts chopped

For the batter

• 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• electric mixer
• baking dish
• parchment paper
• Knife and cutting board
• spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

• Heat a baking dish in the oven (I used a heat proof glass one)
• Melt 4 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan on the stove.
  
• When the sugar begins to slightly caramelize, pour into the hot baking dish and move the dish so that the caramelized sugar sticks to the walls until it's spread completely and has a light amber color.
  
• Let the caramelized sugar to cool until apples are prepared.
• Preheat oven at 350 F
• Clean and peel apples and pick the middle and seeds out with a small, sharp knife or an apple corer. Add the peeled apples over the caramelized sugar into the baking dish.
  
• Sprinkle the other 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon and walnuts.
  
• Randomly place small pieces of butter
  
• Drizzle lemon juice.
  
• Move the dish to the oven and bake the apples for approx. 20- 25 min.
  
• Make the batter while the apples are baking. In a bowl, cream egg yolks with sugar until the mixture is a light and fluffy. Whisk flour and baking powder and gradually add to the egg yolks.
  
• Beat the egg whites until they're foamy and then mix with the rest of the batter by gently folding it in.
  
• When the apples are soft, remove from oven. Pour the batter over and return the dish back to the oven.
  
• Bake for additional 20-30 minutes, until the cake is done (you can check with a toothpick inserted in the batter).
  
• Take the cake out of the oven and serve as is or place a large plate over the pot and flip it quickly so the apples will be on top
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @easy_peasy_creative_ideas or tag #easy_peasy_creative_ideas!