Autumn Cranberry-Walnut Apple Cake
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this lighter version of a classic dessert. The Autumn Cranberry-Walnut Apple Cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of apples, complemented by crunchy walnuts for texture. This delightful cake is not only moist and flavorful but also a healthier choice for your holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it's a seasonal treat that everyone will love. Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet snack any time of the day!
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 (whole)
Egg Whites
2 (separated from yolks)
Brown Sugar
1 3/4 cups (packed)
Canola Oil
1/4 cup (liquid)
Unsweetened Applesauce
1/4 cup (pureed)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (sifted)
Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup (sifted)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (dry)
Salt
1 teaspoon (dry)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (dry)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Apples
2 cups (chopped and peeled)
Fresh Cranberries
2 cups (halved)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Confectioners' Sugar
2 teaspoons (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13"x9" baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole egg, egg whites, brown sugar, canola oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until well blended.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Be careful not to overmix.
5
Fold in the chopped apples, halved cranberries, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in the Autumn Cranberry-Walnut Apple Cake?
The cake features tart fresh cranberries, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 15 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray is recommended.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
Yes, it is described as a lighter and healthier version of a classic dessert, using applesauce and egg whites to reduce fat.
How should the cranberries be prepared?
The fresh cranberries should be halved before being folded into the batter.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped and peeled apples.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
What is the purpose of adding unsweetened applesauce?
Applesauce is used as a healthier substitute to keep the cake moist while reducing the amount of oil needed.
Does this recipe use butter?
No, this recipe uses 1/4 cup of canola oil instead of butter.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites.
What spices are included in the batter?
The cake is spiced with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What is the total baking time?
The cake should bake for 35-40 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours should be sifted.
What type of sugar is used in the main batter?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of packed brown sugar.
Is there a topping for this cake?
After cooling, the cake is finished with a dusting of 2 teaspoons of confectioners' sugar.
How should the dry and wet ingredients be combined?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended without overmixing.
What kind of nuts are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, you can use either a whisk or an electric mixer to blend the wet ingredients.
When should the fruit and nuts be added?
The apples, cranberries, and walnuts should be folded in after the wet and dry ingredients are blended.
How should the cake be cooled?
The cake should be allowed to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a delightful choice for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What is the preparation for the egg whites?
The egg whites should be separated from the yolks before use.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla extract.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Can this cake be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack any time of the day.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.
How should the batter be placed in the pan?
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of fresh cranberries.