Raw Apple Cake is a moist, spice-rich dessert showcasing the natural sweetness and texture of fresh apples. The recipe blends warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with shredded apples, crunchy walnuts, and optional raisins for a comforting, rustic cake. Its origins lie in mid-century American baking, when simple pantry ingredients were transformed into hearty desserts perfect for family gatherings. The recipe’s use of raw apples, rather than pre-cooked, ensures a tender crumb and fresh apple flavor in every bite, making it a beloved treat for fall and winter seasons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup shortening (Crisco)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cloves
- 2 cups shredded raw apples
- ⅔ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (chopped or halved, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together brown sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Alternate Mixing
- Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the lukewarm water, beginning and ending with flour.
Step 5: Add Fruits & Nuts
- Stir in shredded apples, walnuts, and optional raisins or maraschino cherries.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Serve
- Cool before serving. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or glaze.
Tips
- Peel apples for a softer texture, or leave skins on for more bite
- Use tart apples (Granny Smith) for best balance with sugar
- Walnuts may be toasted lightly for deeper flavor
- Raisins can be soaked briefly in warm water if very dry
- Bake in a tube pan or deep square pan as batter is dense
- Cool fully before slicing for clean cuts
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
- Serve plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Keeps well for several days, tightly wrapped
- Flavor improves after resting overnight
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.8mg
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