Apple Cake

I went apple picking recently, so had lots of slightly tart apples to bake with. I didn't want to make just pie, so here is one idea I found. The recipe used to be a super unhealthy, carby, sugary confection. My version is still sweet but maple syrup is much healthier than sugar. Also, it is moister and healthier, and the whole wheat flour gives it a great texture! You can also add more apples to make it even better, or substitute some more of the sugar with applesauce (adding flour as necessary).

• 3 cups white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup natural cane sugar (or less)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Butter and flour a 9x13” baking pan.

Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir well with a whisk. In another large bowl, beat the oil, melted butter, sugars, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla with a whisk. Beat in the flour mixture until smooth, then fold in the apples.

Pour into the pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350F for 45-50 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Remove to a rack to cool in the pan.