Dried Apple Cakes
Dried Apple Cakes offer a comforting blend of tender apples, warm spices, and a moist, cake-like texture, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook dried apples in 4 cups water until tender.
- Drain and save the juice.
- Measure 2 cups of the apple juice, adding water if needed to reach this amount.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar with the dry baking mix.
- Stir in sourdough starter to moisten the flour mixture.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly.
- Pat or roll the dough into a 12 x 18-inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle the chopped dried apples over the dough.
- Roll up the dough starting at the short end to enclose the apples.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 slices.
- Put the remaining sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and the 2 cups of apple liquid into a large deep skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Gently lower the apple slices into the hot syrup.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the dried apples are well-cooked and tender before mixing them into the dough to avoid any tough bits. If you don't have sourdough starter, you can substitute it with buttermilk or yogurt to maintain moisture. Adjust the spices to your preference; adding a pinch of cloves can enhance flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious dried apple cakes warm, drizzled with a bit of honey or maple syrup. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For a hearty breakfast, enjoy them alongside Gouda Grits or a hot cup of coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dried apple cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dried Apple Cakes contains roughly 614 calories, with 6g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh apples instead of dried?
While fresh apples can be used, they will add moisture to the dough and may require adjustments in cooking time. Use about 2 cups of peeled and chopped fresh apples, and consider reducing the amount of water used in the recipe to prevent sogginess.
What can I use instead of baking mix?
If you don't have a dry baking mix on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This homemade mix works well as a substitute for the commercial mix in this recipe.
How do I know when the cakes are done baking?
The dried apple cakes are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking them for the full 35-40 minutes at 375°F generally ensures they are thoroughly cooked and tender inside.
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).