Description
Moist and tender Chocolate Apple Cake loaded with diced fresh apples, cocoa, applesauce, warm spices, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
For the cake
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp cocoa powder sifted
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup oil
2/3 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp vanilla
2 large eggs room temperature
2 medium-sized apples chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
For the cinnamon sugar sprinkle
2 tbsp white sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with parchment, and whisk flour, sifted cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Whisk oil, applesauce, vanilla, eggs, dark brown sugar, and white sugar in a large bowl for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Fold dry flour mixture into wet base, then fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
4. Spread batter into prepared pan, mix 2 tbsp white sugar with 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and sprinkle across top.
5. Bake for 35 to 42 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Chop apples into 1/2-inch dice. Sift cocoa powder to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 13g
- Protein: 4g