Apple Tea Cake
A moist and flavorful apple tea cake featuring warm spices, tart apples, and nuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert for cozy gatherings and family treats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped tart apples ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together the margarine and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of the dry mixture to the chopped apples and nuts and toss to coat.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, then add milk and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the coated apples and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of tart apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great substitutes. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of cardamom. Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. For a fun twist, you could also add raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This apple tea cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch, serve it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it as a sweet snack or dessert after a hearty meal, like with Barbecued Sparerib Appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple tea cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Tea Cake contains roughly 700 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples based on your taste preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal, but sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala can also work. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a sweeter cake.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this apple tea cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to maintain the cake's structure. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert while adhering to gluten-free dietary needs.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it, especially if you make adjustments to the recipe or pan size.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).