Tart and Tender Granny Smith Apple Cake
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this Tart and Tender Granny Smith Apple Cake, inspired by a beloved recipe from Everyday Food magazine. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart; the Granny Smith apples retain their shape while becoming luxuriously soft as they bake, creating a moist and flavorful treat. Enjoy it warm straight from the oven for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon snack, or elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The inclusion of applesauce not only makes this cake lower in fat but also ensures a tender crumb. Optional walnuts can add a delightful crunch, making each bite even more exciting.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups
granulated sugar
1 cup
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons
ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Granny Smith apples
3 medium (peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
3
Gently fold in the apple chunks, melted butter, applesauce, and lightly beaten eggs. Mix until just combined; the batter will be quite chunky with a high ratio of apples.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to smooth the top.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
25g
Carbs
1.88g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind this Granny Smith Apple Cake?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved recipe from Everyday Food magazine.
What type of apples should I use for this cake?
The recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples because they provide a tart flavor and retain their shape well during baking.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks before being added to the batter.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, which should be greased with butter or non-stick spray.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the Tart and Tender Granny Smith Apple Cake take to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add nuts to this apple cake?
Yes, the recipe includes an option to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
What ingredients make this cake lower in fat?
The inclusion of unsweetened applesauce allows for a lower fat content while maintaining a tender crumb.
What spices are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
Is this cake better served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven for a comforting treat, or at room temperature.
What are some recommended serving suggestions?
This cake pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses both granulated sugar (1 cup) and packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup).
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires two large eggs, which should be lightly beaten.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Does this cake contain butter?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How much fat is in one serving of this cake?
One serving contains 3.75g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the cake?
Each serving provides 1.88g of protein.
What is the texture of the batter before baking?
The batter will be quite chunky because of the high ratio of apples to the other ingredients.
Should the applesauce be sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
How long should the cake cool before I slice it?
It is recommended to let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
What leavening agent is used in this cake?
This recipe uses 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients, including the optional walnuts.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is described as a great option for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon snack.
How do you mix the dry and wet ingredients?
First, whisk the dry ingredients together, then gently fold in the apples and wet ingredients until just combined.
What makes this cake 'tender'?
The combination of the moist Granny Smith apples and the inclusion of applesauce creates a tender crumb.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease the 9 x 13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Is the flavor profile of this cake more sweet or tart?
It is a balance of both; the sweetness from the sugars and the tartness from the Granny Smith apples complement each other.