Delicious Raw Apple Cake: A Taste Of Fall

If you make one fall recipe, this raw apple cake should be it. It is scrumptious and full of warm apple flavor! This cake is easy to make, very moist, and a real family favorite.

If you make one fall recipe, this raw apple cake should be it. It is scrumptious and full of warm apple flavor! This cake is easy to make, very moist, and tender. It’s the perfect dessert for the fall season. It’s also known as Fresh Apple Cake.

My Apple Cake Story

This scrumptious cake has been in my recipe box for decades! I first had Raw Apple Cake in college and loved it so much that I asked for the recipe. I think this might be the first recipe I ever asked for!

Raw Apple Cake Ingredients

The ingredients that make this cake so scrumptious…

Apples: The chopped apples provide moisture and texture, making the cake dense and moist. As the cake bakes, the apples soften, creating a tender crumb with pockets of sweet apple flavor.

Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its texture by tenderizing the batter and helping to create a moist crumb.

Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake batter, providing structure.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Oil: Oil is used instead of butter to keep the cake moist.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake.

Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.

Walnuts: The chopped walnuts contrast the soft, moist cake with a crunchy contrast and adds a nutty flavor.

Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

How To Make Raw Apple Cake

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour the wet mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients.
• Gently fold in the 3 cups of chopped raw apples with the skins on and 1 cup of chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Generously spray your chosen baking pan with cooking spray for baking. Cover all sides and the bottom thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
• Spoon the stiff batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. The batter will be thick, so use the back of the spoon or a spatula to smooth the top.
• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Depending on your oven, you may need to bake it longer—check the center of the cake with a toothpick or cake tester. The cake is done if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Remove and cool completely.

Making The Drizzle

This cake is so moist it doesn’t need a drizzle, but the glaze is easy to make and adds another dimension of sweet vanilla flavor. YUM!

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Drizzle the glaze over your cake. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

You can make this recipe in a large loaf pan or baking dish and use the batter to make cupcakes. The baking time will be different. Bake Raw Apple Cake for 50 minutes in a large loaf pan. For a 9 x 13 baking dish, and bake cupcakes for 20-30 minutes.

The batter is very different from the cake batter. It’s stiff and crumbly.

It’s very important to cool the cake completely and be gentle when turning it out.

You can use any apples you have on hand. I combined Gala and Granny Smith apples. Don’t bother peeling the apples. 

Variations

Raw Apple Cake is incredibly delicious as it is, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake:

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize the Raw Apple Cake recipe:

Spices

• Cinnamon: Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the apples.
• Nutmeg: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for an earthy, slightly sweet taste.
• Allspice or Cloves: A pinch of allspice or cloves can add depth and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.

Nuts

• Pecans: Substitute or mix with the walnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
• Almonds: Chopped almonds can add a light, sweet crunch that pairs well with the apples.

Dried Fruit

• Raisins or Currants: Fold in 1/2 cup of raisins or currants for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Dried Cranberries: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart, fruity contrast.

Fresh Fruit

• Pears: Substitute half of the apples with chopped pears for a different texture and flavor.
• Berries: Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) for bursts of juicy flavor.

Extracts

• Almond Extract: Swap out half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle, nutty undertone.
• Maple Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract for a rich, autumnal flavor.

Sweeteners

• Brown Sugar: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: To achieve a natural sweetness and slightly different texture, substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Toppings

• Caramel Drizzle: Add a homemade or store-bought caramel drizzle over the cake for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

Gluten-Free

• Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. The blend should be one that works well in baking.

Healthier Option

• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added fiber.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor and a healthier fat option.

Raw Apple Cake is a delightful fall treat perfect for cozy family dinners and gatherings. With its rich, moist texture and the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with a luscious glaze; this cake brings the comforting flavors of fall right to your table. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making no matter what time of year. It’s that delicious!