There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar wafting through the kitchen. This Raw Apple Cake Recipe brings back the taste of old-fashioned home baking — moist, tender, and full of flavor. Unlike many modern cakes, this one relies on fresh raw apples to create its moisture and sweetness naturally. The result? A cake that feels rustic, hearty, and perfectly balanced between sweet and spiced.
Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a drizzle of caramel sauce, this Raw Apple Cake captures everything you love about fall — freshness, coziness, and wholesome indulgence.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?
- 🍏 Naturally Moist – Fresh grated apples keep the cake soft and flavorful without extra butter.
- 🍂 Warm Spices – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings out that perfect autumn aroma.
- 🧁 Simple to Make – No mixer or fancy equipment required, just a bowl, whisk, and spoon.
- 🍯 Old-Fashioned Flavor – The texture and taste remind you of classic homemade desserts.
- 🌾 Customizable – Easily add nuts, raisins, or even shredded coconut for extra texture.
- 🍽️ Perfect Anytime – Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and grated raw apples (about 3 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
Peel and grate the fresh apples using a large box grater. You can use tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. Once grated, set them aside — no need to drain the juice, as it adds natural moisture to the cake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly creamy. The oil gives the cake a tender crumb without being greasy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined. Then add the grated apples, nuts, and raisins (if using). The batter will look thick — that’s perfect.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
🍰 Variations
- Apple Nut Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Apple Carrot Cake: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded carrot for extra moisture and color.
- Apple Coconut Cake: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
- Apple Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert.
- Apple Bundt Cake: Bake the batter in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
🍳 Cooking Note
Grating the apples fresh ensures the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-sliced apples or applesauce, as they alter the consistency. If your apples are very juicy, you can lightly pat them dry with paper towels but don’t remove too much moisture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or honey.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a classic finish.
- Pair with black coffee or spiced chai for a comforting treat.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh apples rather than pre-packaged or pre-cut ones.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this ensures a tender crumb.
- Let the cake cool before slicing for clean edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
🧠 Tips for the Best Raw Apple Cake Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: Combine tart and sweet varieties for the best balance.
- Enhance Moisture: Add a spoonful of applesauce if your apples are too dry.
- Texture Upgrade: Mix in oats or nuts for added crunch.
- Spice Smartly: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to match your flavor preference.
- Perfect Baking: Check for doneness around 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Q2: What are the best apples for this cake?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works best.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavor improves after a few hours as the spices blend beautifully.
Q4: Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut up to ¼ cup of sugar without affecting texture much, thanks to the natural sweetness of apples.
🏁 Conclusion
This Raw Apple Cake Recipe is a true celebration of simplicity and flavor. With its tender crumb, rich apple essence, and comforting spices, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Perfect for any season, this cake is a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones made from scratch, with love and a few good apples.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this moist apple cake is sure to impress your family and friends every single time. 🍎💛
Delicious Raw Apple Cake Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Prepare the Apples Peel and grate the fresh apples using a large box grater. You can use tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. Once grated, set them aside — no need to drain the juice, as it adds natural moisture to the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly creamy. The oil gives the cake a tender crumb without being greasy.
- Bring It All Together Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined. Then add the grated apples, nuts, and raisins (if using). The batter will look thick — that’s perfect.
- Bake to Perfection Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
