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–+ servings
Raw Apple Cake
Raw Apple Cake is a classic mid-century American fruit cake, built on the natural sweetness and moisture of fresh apples rather than heavy batters. Popular in home kitchens from the 1940s–1960s, this style of cake was prized for being economical, forgiving, and deeply flavorful without frosting. The apples soften into the batter as it bakes, creating a dense, almost pudding-like crumb, while warm spices and optional raisins or dates add depth. Often served plain or with a dusting of sugar, this cake was a dependable dessert for gatherings, church suppers, and everyday family meals, especially in fall when apples were plentiful and inexpensive.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups raw apples (diced)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs (large, beaten)
  • ½ cup butter (melted)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (or up to 2 tsp, to taste)
  • ½ cup dates (chopped, or raisins )
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped)
  • 1 tsp maple flavoring

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  • Butter a baking pan thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Sweeten the Apples

  • Dice apples and place in a large bowl.
  • Mix with white sugar and brown sugar until well coated.
  • Let stand for 15 minutes to draw out juices.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Butter

  • Add beaten eggs to the apple mixture.
  • Pour in melted butter and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Build the Batter

  • Add dry ingredients to the apple mixture.
  • Stir until fully combined.

Step 6: Add Mix-Ins

  • Fold in dates or raisins and nuts, if using.
  • Add maple flavoring and mix gently.

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
  • Cake is done when it pulls slightly from the sides of the pan.

Step 8: Cool

  • Cool on a rack before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Use Granny Smith apples for more tang
  • Add nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth
  • Swap maple flavoring for vanilla
  • Serve warm with whipped cream
  • Add chopped walnuts for crunch
  • Bake in a Bundt pan for presentation
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream
  • Replace half flour with whole wheat for rustic texture

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 3gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword apple dessert, comfort food, fall baking, old fashioned, rustic cake, spice cake, vintage cake
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