AN APPLE A DAY…Apple Cinnamon Cake

I’m forever searching for healthy additions to my list of school lunchbox snacks for the kids.  I try to avoid packaged snacks, with all those pesky preservatives and annoying numbers…and the best way to achieve this is to do my own baking! I love that I know exactly what’s going in and I can sneak in some really nutritious ingredients while I’m at it!

One fruit I almost always have on hand is the trusty apple.  It’s the one fruit both my kids love, so it’s always an easy snack to throw into their lunchbox just as it is.  However, sometimes the particular variety of apple they prefer is not in season.  So to disguise its true identity, I often disguise the apple in a sweet treat!

Admittedly, apples are probably not as nutritionally jam-packed as some other fruits, but they are certainly a good source of Vitamin C and fibre.  Chomping on an apple can also act as nature’s toothbrush, stimulating gums and promoting saliva production.  That’s why your teeth have that polished feeling after having an apple.

The thing to be careful with is washing the apple well before use.  I even wash organic apples, because they may not have wax or pesticides on them, but I like to wash off any dust or grime that might be lurking around.  I keep a fruit and vege wash handy at my kitchen sink, which I purchase from my local health food store.  All you have to do is squeeze a drop on, rub it around with a wet hand or brush and rinse well under the tap.  Dry and you’re ready to go!

Why not try disguising an apple in your kids’ lunchbox with my healthy Apple Cake recipe? (Important note: It’s also a great snack for those fussy “big kids” in the family – my hubby loves it!)

Apple Cinnamon Cake

• 2 free range eggs
• ½ cup organic raw sugar
• 1/3 cup organic milk
• 60g organic butter, melted
• 1 cup organic self-raising flour
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 2 apples (1 peeled and sliced and the other grated)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon organic raw sugar, for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Beat sugar and eggs until thick and creamy.
3. Add milk and melted butter and stir.
4. Lightly beat in sifted flours.
5. Stir in grated apple.  Do not over mix.
6. Pour into greased and lined baking tin.  Press sliced apples into top of cake mixture, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
7. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or after testing if a skewer comes out clean.
8. Turn onto wire rack to cool.

Serving suggstion:  delicious with a spoon of berry-flavoured yoghurt!

Jennifer Reid is a wife, mum of 2, avid Blogger at lifeslikeacupcake.com, & Blog Reviewer on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney Australia!  She’s tried lots of careers – previously worked as a Banker, Beauty Therapist & Primary School Teacher!  She loves life, and her current passion is writing (& FOOD)!

Tagged as: Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe