This is a great cake for any time of the year. The recipe includes ingredients that you’ll readily have in your refrigerator or pantry (for the cook or baker). Ingredients like an apple, pecans, yogurt, and applesauce makes for a more healthful but moist treat of a cake…
Nice texture to this cake and the bits of apple and pecans give it a homey, rustic feel. I would add cinnamon to the batter next time around. If you plan to serve that day and finish it off within the same day, I’d also add another full apple to the mix. If you think you’ll have leftovers after the day of baking, stick to using one apple – otherwise the cake can become soggy when storing due to the moisture from the fruit.
This is a lovely cake that’s not “too sweet” even though you may dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Perfect for snacks, dessert or serving for breakfast or brunch. It’s not a cake that’s quick to whip up. There’s several bowls involved but don’t let that deter you, especially if you prefer a more down-to-earth cake versus an ooey-gooey frosting, sweetsie one!
- Would try this in an 8-inch square pan for a thicker/higher cake (adjust baking time as needed).
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Used low-fat vanilla yogurt instead of plain.
- Increased pecans to 1 cup.
- Don’t forget to toast the pecans…don’t skip this step as it lends good flavor to the cake.
Serves 12
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature + more for seasoning pan
1 medium apple
1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (not sea salt)
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon packed finely grated orange zest
3 large eggs
Confectioner’s/powdered sugar, for dusting
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Butter parchment.
- In a medium bowl, toss apple and pecans with 2 tablespoons flour to coat. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining flours, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In a small bowl, combine applesauce and yogurt.
- Using an electric mixer and large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest on high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions applesauce mixture, and beat to combine. Fold in apple mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack, 20 minutes. Using parchment, lift cake from pan.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving. © Images & content: Cristina A-Moore for TeenieCakes.com.
- Would try this in an 8-inch square pan for a thicker/higher cake (adjust baking time as needed).
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Used low-fat vanilla yogurt instead of plain.
- Increased pecans to 1 cup.
- Don’t forget to toast the pecans…don’t skip this step as it lends good flavor to the cake.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Indeed a great cake for any time of year. I wish the pecan price wasn’t so high over here. Might just use walnuts instead.
ray says
I just want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
Stephanie @ Velez Delights says
Happy Holidays / Merry Christmas! You’re completely right, this recipe is one that involves everyday ingredients that are most likely in everyone’s kitchen already! Looks and sounds great!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I need to learn more about how to use apples in baking (besides apple pie). This cake looks very moist and soft… looks delicious!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love apples and pecans, this reminds me of a snack cake – perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! 🙂
Ash-foodfashionparty says
I saw this, pinned and can’t wait to try.
Prachi says
Hi Cristina,
Yummy recipe. I love pan cake a lot and that too it is apple pancake. The snaps are so beautiful as usual. It is tempting me. And surely it would taste yummy. Thanks for the share.
Jazzy says
Anything pecan is my favorite, so I’m definitely making this. Got all the ingredients and our cold days and nights puts me in a baking mood for a treat that looks and I’m sure taste real good. As usual your photography is outstanding…beautiful job. Thank you for sharing what looks like a keeper.
Patty says
Fun photos!! and delicious recipe Cristina 😉 I love apples and pecans -this cake sounds healthier which is lovely this time of year and your guests will thank you and be very happy 😉