The apple cake is a timeless pantry classic that has always won everyone over. I love it and have always made this cake in different ways. Today, I present a richer and more nutritious version: the “Apple Cake with Walnuts, Raisins, and Pomegranate – Christmas Apple Cake“
A perfect cake for the Christmas holidays because it encapsulates the aromas and flavors reminiscent of Christmas. To enrich the apple cake, I used: walnuts, raisins, candied fruits, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon, and grated orange.
It is a soft and fragrant cake, perfect for any occasion. It can be enjoyed in many different ways: as a nutritious breakfast, an after-meal treat, a sweet afternoon snack, or a perfect accompaniment for tea time.
Its versatility makes it loved by both adults and children, and its preparation is a true ritual that brings warmth and fragrance to every home.
Try this Christmas apple cake it is truly delicious you’ll want seconds, excellent as an alternative dessert for those who do not like panettone!
I recommend also trying these delicious apple cakes ↓
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 10 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, Christmas
Ingredients for the Apple Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5.3 oz butter
- 2 eggs (medium)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2 containers plain yogurt
- 1 apple
- Half lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 orange zest (grated)
- to taste mixed candied fruit
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1 apple
- to taste walnut halves
- to taste pomegranate seeds
- to taste cinnamon
- to taste sugar
Tools
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Pan
- 1 Oven
Steps for the Apple Cake
Before starting the batter, peel and dice an apple, put it in a small bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, a teaspoon of sugar, a bit of cinnamon, and set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become frothy. You can do this by hand or with an electric whisk. Continue beating while adding the softened butter, the grated orange zest, and the two containers of yogurt, each 125 g (4.4 oz). Also add the flour and baking powder, mixing well. Then proceed to add the raisins, chopped candied fruits, walnuts, and diced apple.
Stir and blend the ingredients until a smooth batter is obtained.
Pour the mixture into a 9-inch greased and floured springform pan.Wash and thinly slice the other apple with the skin on.
Decorate the surface of the cake by forming a flower (Christmas Star), arranging the paired apple slices to form petals (see photo). Place pomegranate seeds in the center and the remaining apple slices around the edge of the cake. Add some walnut halves, a bit of ground cinnamon, and a sprinkle of granulated sugar.
Bake the Christmas apple cake in a preheated convection oven at 356°F for about 45 minutes, or static for 50 minutes.
The cooking time varies based on your oven’s power. After 40-45 minutes, do the toothpick test, and if necessary, extend the cooking time.
After baking, remove from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then invert and place on a serving plate. If needed, add more pomegranate seeds and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
The Christmas apple cake with walnuts, raisins, candied fruits, and pomegranate is ready to be sliced and served.
Storage and Tips
The Christmas apple cake can be stored for 2-3 days in a cool place, under a cake cover.
If you are lactose intolerant, replace the butter and yogurt with lactose-free versions.
For other Christmas desserts, check out my Christmas dessert collection
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What if I don’t like raisins?
No problem, just leave them out, or replace them with cranberries or chocolate chips.
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
For a more spiced flavor, besides cinnamon, you can add ginger, star anise, and cloves.
Or flavor with rum or vanilla.
