Apple and Walnut Cake

An apple may have caused problems in The Garden of Eden, but its nutritional properties can save many a heart. Pectin in apples can help to lower LDL cholesterol, is good for diabetes and management, good source of vitamin C, soluble and insoluble fiber, flavanoids and antioxidants.

This is a very simple and tasty apple cake recipe . A foolproof and effortless way to get 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.

You can use Granny Smith cooking apples or any other variety of apple. I have used Fuji pink apples for this recipe.

Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar- 2 cups

Oil- 1 1/2 cups

Eggs- 3 large

Vanilla extract- 1tsp

Plain Flour- 3 cups

Baking soda- 1tsp

Cinnamon powder- 2tsp

Nutmeg powder- 1/2 tsp

Salt- 1/2 tsp

Apples- 3 large, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Walnuts- 5 chopped coarsely

Raisins- handful

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Put the sugar and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl, and beat until very well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and gradually add to the sugar and eggs, mixing just until well blended.
   3. Stir in the apples, walnuts, and raisins and pour into a buttered and 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
   4. Bake in the preheated oven until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, takes 40 mins to about 1 hour (begin checking after40 minutes). Remove from the oven, and allow to cool in the pan.

Apple cake is ready, serve warm at tea time or chilled for dessert.