Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake: A Delicious and Easy Recipe!

Apple cake is a timeless classic, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and home. But what if I told you that you could achieve all that deliciousness without even turning on the oven? This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake – a recipe so simple, so flavorful, and so universally loved that it’s been a family favorite for generations. This raw apple cake recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques to create something truly special. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, its reliance on fresh, wholesome ingredients, and its unbelievably satisfying taste.

This recipe has been passed down, tweaked, and perfected over the years. It’s won countless bake-offs (yes, even raw bake-offs!), garnered rave reviews from friends and family, and become a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks. Why? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and, most importantly, it tastes absolutely incredible. The apples provide a natural sweetness and moisture, while the spices add warmth and depth of flavor. The nuts give it a delightful crunch, and the optional frosting elevates it to a truly decadent dessert.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert that requires no baking, look no further. This Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of raw baking!

## Why You’ll Love This Raw Apple Cake

* **No Baking Required:** That’s right! No oven needed. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of apples, spices, and nuts creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Naturally Sweetened:** The apples provide natural sweetness, so you can reduce or eliminate added sugar.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your own personal touch by incorporating other fruits, nuts, or spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This cake is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

* **Apples:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 4-5 medium-sized apples. I prefer using a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for a balanced flavor. But feel free to use your favorite apple varieties. Avoid apples that are too soft or mushy.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** This forms the base of our cake. You can also use whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but the texture will be denser. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can substitute with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor or use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the amount according to your preference.
* **Vegetable Oil:** This adds moisture and richness to the cake. You can use any neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or corn oil. Melted coconut oil also works well, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
* **Eggs:** Eggs act as a binder and add structure to the cake. Use large eggs for best results. If you’re vegan, you can substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake and adds a touch of warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Imitation vanilla extract can have a slightly artificial taste.
* **Cinnamon:** Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples perfectly. Use ground cinnamon for this recipe.
* **Baking Soda:** Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
* **Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. Use table salt or kosher salt.
* **Chopped Nuts (Optional):** Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake. I like to use walnuts or pecans, but you can use any nuts you prefer. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the cake enhances their flavor.
* **Lemon Juice (Optional):** A tablespoon of lemon juice can help prevent the apples from browning and add a touch of acidity to the cake.

**For the Frosting (Optional):**

* **Cream Cheese:** Cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before using it.
* **Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the frosting. Use unsalted butter that is softened to room temperature.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting. Sift the powdered sugar before using it to prevent lumps.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting.
* **Milk (Optional):** Milk can be added to thin the frosting to your desired consistency.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Grater or Food Processor (for shredding the apples)
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Mixing Spoons or Spatula
* Electric Mixer (for the frosting, optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake!

**Step 1: Prepare the Apples**

* Wash, peel, and core the apples. Peeling is optional, but I prefer to peel them for a smoother texture. If you leave the peels on, the cake will have a slightly more rustic look and texture.
* Grate the apples using a grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. You should have about 4-5 cups of grated apples. If you’re using a food processor, be careful not to over-process the apples, as they can become mushy.
* If desired, toss the grated apples with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. This is especially important if you’re not going to assemble the cake immediately.

**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the baking soda is evenly distributed to ensure proper leavening.

**Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients**

* Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. The batter will be thick.

**Step 4: Fold in the Apples and Nuts**

* Gently fold in the grated apples and chopped nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

**Step 5: Assemble the Cake**

* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the dish and make it easier to remove after it has set.
* Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

**Step 6: Chill the Cake**

* Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. The longer it chills, the better it will taste!

**Step 7: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)**

* While the cake is chilling, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Start with a low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.
* If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

**Step 8: Frost the Cake (Optional)**

* Once the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
* Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula or a butter knife to spread the frosting.
* If desired, you can garnish the cake with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or apple slices.

**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Cut the cake into squares or slices and serve.
* This raw apple cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.

## Tips and Variations

* **Apple Variety:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Some good options include Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, and McIntosh.
* **Spice It Up:** Add other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to enhance the flavor of the cake.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for added sweetness and texture.
* **Nut Options:** Use different nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake or frosting for added flavor and texture.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for a rich and indulgent treat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan cream cheese and butter substitute for the frosting.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
* **No Frosting?** If you prefer not to frost the cake, you can simply dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** For added texture and flavor, consider adding a crumble topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
* **Layered Cake:** Double the recipe and create a layered cake with frosting in between the layers.

## Serving Suggestions

This Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

* **Dessert:** Serve it as a classic dessert after a meal. It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a slice as a midday snack or an afternoon treat.
* **Breakfast:** Believe it or not, this cake can even be enjoyed for breakfast! It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pastries.
* **Party Treat:** Bring it to parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Holiday Dessert:** Make it a part of your holiday dessert spread. It’s a perfect alternative to traditional baked apple pies or cakes.
* **Gift:** Give it as a homemade gift to friends, family, or neighbors.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Overmixing the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Using Too Much Flour:** Measuring the flour incorrectly can lead to a dry cake. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Using Old Baking Soda:** Old baking soda can lose its leavening power, resulting in a flat cake. Make sure your baking soda is fresh.
* **Not Chilling the Cake Long Enough:** Chilling the cake allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. Chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
* **Using Unsoftened Cream Cheese and Butter for the Frosting:** Using unsoftened ingredients can result in a lumpy frosting. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before using them.
* **Adding Too Much Milk to the Frosting:** Adding too much milk can make the frosting too thin. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Calories:** 300-400 per serving (depending on the size of the slice and whether or not frosting is used)
* **Fat:** 15-20 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 5-8 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 50-75 mg
* **Sodium:** 200-300 mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50 grams
* **Sugar:** 25-35 grams
* **Protein:** 3-5 grams

## Final Thoughts

This Mom’s Prize-Winning Raw Apple Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. It’s a reminder that the simplest things in life are often the most satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake with your loved ones as much as my family has over the years. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)! Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and how it turned out!

Enjoy!