Green Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake featuring tart Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons. The combination of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg creates a fragrant treat that pairs wonderfully with cream cheese icing, making it ideal for dessert or tea time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup strong black coffee ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups oil ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 3 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 3 cups raw Granny Smith chopped apples ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix sugar and eggs in a bowl.
- Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture alternately with oil and coffee, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in raisins, chopped apples, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before frosting.
- Spread Cream Cheese Icing over the cooled cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider substituting half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by half a cup. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of ground ginger. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Green Apple Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Never Know It'S Low-Fat Cake for a mixed dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Green Apple Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let it come to room temperature, then microwave in short intervals or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Apple Cake contains roughly 761 calories, with 10g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% 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 other types of apples for this cake?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they are firm and not overly sweet to maintain the balance of flavors in the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How can I make this cake more festive for a celebration?
To make the cake more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or decorating with seasonal fruits. You can also use a cream cheese icing tinted with food coloring or add festive sprinkles for a fun touch.
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).