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Healthy Whole Wheat Apple Cake - Cozy, Simple, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat pastry flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but lovely)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk works best)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium; use a mix of tart and sweet if you can)
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling on top (optional, but adds a nice crunch)

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), olive oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix or the cake can turn dense.
  5. Fold in apples and nuts: Stir in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  6. Fill the pan: Spread the batter into the prepared pan. If you like, sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for a crisp finish.
  7. Bake: Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve: Enjoy plain, dust with a little cinnamon, or top with Greek yogurt or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.