Apple Cake with Raisins

Apple Cake with Raisins
This apple cake with raisins is a delicious, moist, and comforting dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with the chewiness of raisins. The tender cake is spiced with cinnamon, giving it that warm, homey feel. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for fall, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving a comforting treat. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Preparation Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup raisins
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent apples from browning)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the apples and raisins: In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples and raisins with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (if using). This step will help prevent the apples from browning and add a little extra freshness to the fruit. Set aside.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients, then add half of the milk, mix, and repeat until everything is well combined.

Fold in the apples and raisins: Gently fold the chopped apples and raisins into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want the apples and raisins evenly distributed without breaking them down.

Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into squares or wedges.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving – makes 8 servings)
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g
Iron: 1mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Apple cakes have been a classic dessert for centuries, especially popular in countries with apple-growing regions, such as the United States and Northern Europe. Apples are a versatile ingredient, often used in pies, tarts, and cakes. The tradition of baking apples into cakes likely dates back to the early 19th century, when ingredients like butter, flour, and sugar became more widely available.

This particular recipe adds raisins to the classic apple cake, bringing a chewy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of apples. Raisins have been used in baking for centuries as well, and their natural sweetness makes them a perfect addition to baked goods like this one. The combination of apples and raisins in this cake is a nod to the popular “fruit and spice” theme that defines many classic desserts, offering a balance of textures and flavors that satisfy the sweet tooth.

Today, apple cake with raisins is a popular choice for autumn baking, particularly during apple harvest seasons. It’s loved for its moist texture and comforting, homey flavor, and is often served at family gatherings, fall celebrations, or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this apple cake with raisins because it’s easy to make, comforting, and full of flavor. The moist cake, coupled with the sweetness of the apples and the chewy raisins, creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and delicious. The warm cinnamon adds a cozy touch, making it the perfect treat for a chilly fall day. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels.

Additionally, this cake is great for sharing with family or friends, and it stores well for a few days, so you can enjoy it over multiple occasions. Whether you serve it for dessert, snack, or breakfast, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Health Benefits of This Recipe
This apple cake with raisins offers several health benefits, thanks to the inclusion of nutritious ingredients like apples and raisins. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system and digestive health. Raisins provide additional fiber, iron, and natural sugars for energy, and they can help improve iron levels in the body. While the cake is indulgent, it also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced treat when enjoyed in moderation.

Serving Suggestions
For dessert: Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert option.
With tea or coffee: This cake is perfect for an afternoon snack or tea time. Serve it alongside your favorite hot beverage for a comforting treat.
As breakfast: Slice it into smaller pieces and enjoy it for a sweet breakfast or brunch, possibly paired with a fruit salad or yogurt.
With a drizzle of caramel: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
Tips
Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this cake because they provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the raisins and the cake itself.
Add nuts: For extra texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They will complement the raisins and apples nicely.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version of the cake.
Store leftovers properly: This cake stays fresh for a few days when covered and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Variations to Try
Spicy version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter for extra spice and warmth.
Vegan version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxmeal + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.
Add citrus: For a fresh twist, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter to brighten the flavors of the apples and raisins.
Conclusion
This apple cake with raisins is the perfect combination of moist, tender cake and sweet, fruity filling. With its easy preparation and comforting flavor, it’s a dessert that will become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or as a leftover snack, this cake is sure to please. Try it for your next fall gathering or whenever you’re craving a delicious homemade treat.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. It actually gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Can I use fresh or frozen raisins? Raisins are best used dried, but if you only have fresh raisins, make sure to dry them out in the oven on low heat for a few hours before using them in the recipe.

3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I make this cake without raisins? Yes, if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots.