Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate with the sweet, tender bite of fresh apples - a recipe passed down through generations that promises to transform your baking game forever. This isn't just another cake; this is Gramma Esther's legendary Chocolate Apple Cake, a mouthwatering marvel that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With its incredibly moist texture, deep chocolate notes, and surprising apple twist, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert that's both comforting and exciting.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined and free of lumps.
- Peel and chop the apples into small, uniform pieces, approximately 1/4-inch dice. This ensures even distribution throughout the cake.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and water. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain.
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a level surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with a simple chocolate glaze before serving. Slice into 8 equal portions.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Moisture is Key: Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Even Chopping: Cut apples into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent baking.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tip: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
