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Healthy Apple Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This Healthy Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that balances sweet apples with a light, fluffy batter. Incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest adds a bright, tangy note while the use of reduced-fat milk and moderate sugar keeps it lighter than traditional versions. It’s perfect for a wholesome treat or a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1.21 lb (550 g) apples
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons (90 g) granulated sugar
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon (110 g) all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (75 ml) reduced-fat (2%) milk

For Topping

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (to sprinkle on top)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (22 cm) round baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
  2. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus flavor.
  3. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the eggs, granulated sugar (⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is thick and creamy; this should take about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gently fold these dry ingredients and the milk into the egg mixture just until combined, careful not to overmix.
  5. Incorporate Apples into Batter: Fold two-thirds of the sliced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking the slices.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the remaining apple slices, flat-side down, on top of the batter. Optionally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the apple slices to enhance caramelization.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  8. Cool and Dust: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon juice prevents the apples from oxidizing and browning too quickly, which keeps the presentation appealing.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and tender.
  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free version, but baking powder must also be gluten-free.
  • Room temperature eggs help create a fluffier batter when beaten.
  • Sprinkling sugar on top before baking encourages a nice caramelized crust.
  • Ensure the cake cools completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid clumping.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/healthy-apple-cake-recipe/