Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups gluten-free oat flour
- 1/3 cup vegan cane sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 2 cups unpeeled, cored, and diced apples
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9-inch square, rimmed baking pan with oil.
Process the walnuts in a blender until they form coarse crumbs.
In a large bowl, whisk together the walnut crumbs, oat flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
In a blender, process the 1/3 cup oil, maple syrup, sliced banana, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the wet mixture and dairy-free milk to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; gently fold in the diced apples.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
Place the pan on a wire rack and gently run a table knife around the edge of the cake.
Cool for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Serve warm with powdered sugar sprinkled on top, or refrigerate and serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store this Happy Apple Cake to keep it fresh?
This Happy Apple Cake, made with gluten-free oat flour and olive oil, is best stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need longer storage, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I substitute the extra-virgin olive oil in this recipe?
Since the 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil contributes significantly to the texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil for a similar result. Avoid liquid sweeteners as a direct oil substitution will alter the cake's moisture.
What is the best way to ensure my Happy Apple Cake bakes evenly at 350°F?
To ensure even baking after preheating to 350°F, make sure you evenly distribute the batter in your lightly oiled 9-inch square pan, especially incorporating the chopped walnuts throughout. Since it requires 1 hour and 5 minutes of cook time, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
