苹果蛋糕
苹果蛋糕 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by jin的美食 on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $3.31 total, $0.41 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Eggs (room temperature)
- pinch pinch Salt (optional)
- 50 g Brown Sugar (light brown)
- 190 ml Milk (whole milk preferred)
- 80 ml Light Olive Oil (light, tasteless oil)
- 300 g Cake Flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- 80 g Raisins (soaked until soft, then drained)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 pieces Apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
- 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Soak Raisins
Place the raisins in a small bowl, cover with warm water, add a splash of lemon juice, and let them soak until soft.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat fully before baking.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare Cake Pan
Lightly spray the 8‑inch cake pan with oil, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
Time: PT3M
Mix Wet Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, add the 3 eggs, a pinch of salt, and 50 g brown sugar. Beat with the electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add 190 ml milk and 80 ml light olive oil, mixing until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift 300 g cake flour together with 2 tsp baking powder into a separate bowl.
Time: PT2M
Combine Batter
Using a spatula, gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Time: PT3M
Add Raisins
Drain the softened raisins and fold them into the batter evenly.
Time: PT2M
Fill Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Time: PT2M
Arrange Apple Slices
Wash, core, and thinly slice the two apples. Lay the slices decoratively on top of the batter.
Time: PT5M
Bake Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 180°C
Cool Cake
Remove the cake from the oven, let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
If desired, sift powdered sugar over the cooled cake for a decorative finish. Slice and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar
- Instead of Milk: any milk
- Instead of Light Olive Oil: canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Cake Flour: all‑purpose flour with extra starch
- Instead of Baking Powder: baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Raisins: dried cranberries
- Instead of Lemon Juice: vinegar
- Instead of Apples: pears
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: granulated sugar (finely ground)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Spatula
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- 8‑Inch Cake Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spray Bottle or Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak raisins until soft
- Preheat oven to the correct temperature
- Properly grease and line the cake pan
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean
- Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Light olive oil keeps the crumb light and adds no extra flavor.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps.
- Arrange apple slices in a decorative pattern for visual appeal.
Troubleshooting
Cake sinks in the middle after baking.
Do not overmix the batter and ensure the oven is fully preheated; also avoid opening the oven door early.
Raisins are still hard.
Soak raisins longer in warm water with a splash of lemon juice, or use plumped raisins from a jar.
Top of the cake is too dark.
Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cake can be baked a day ahead; store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Raisins can be soaked while the oven preheats to save time.
- Apple slices can be prepared in advance and kept in a bowl of lemon‑water to prevent browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of apple cake in Chinese cuisine?
Apple cake, while originally a Western dessert, has become popular in modern Chinese home baking as a light, fruit‑filled treat often enjoyed during tea time or family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of apple cake in Chinese baking?
In northern China, apple cake may include a hint of five‑spice powder, while in coastal regions bakers often add a drizzle of honey or use local varieties of apples for a subtler flavor.
How is apple cake traditionally served in Chinese households or celebrations?
Apple cake is typically sliced and served at room temperature with a cup of tea or milk, and it is a common dessert for birthdays, Mid‑Autumn Festival gatherings, and casual family meals.
What occasions or celebrations is apple cake associated with in Chinese culture?
The cake is popular for birthday parties, school celebrations, and as a comforting snack during the cooler autumn months when fresh apples are in season.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Chinese‑style apple cake versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Chinese versions use cake flour, light oil (often a neutral vegetable oil), and fresh local apples. Substitutes such as all‑purpose flour, butter, or dried fruit can be used without drastically changing the texture.
What other Chinese desserts pair well with apple cake?
Apple cake pairs nicely with classic Chinese sweets like red bean paste buns, mango pudding, or a simple bowl of sweetened soy milk.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this apple cake?
Common errors include overmixing the batter, which creates a dense crumb, not preheating the oven fully, and opening the oven door too early, which can cause the cake to sink.
Why does this apple cake recipe use light olive oil instead of butter?
Light olive oil provides moisture without adding a strong flavor, keeping the cake light and allowing the apple’s natural sweetness to shine, whereas butter would make the crumb richer but denser.
Can I make this apple cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel jin的美食 specialize in?
The YouTube channel jin的美食 focuses on easy, home‑cooked Chinese and fusion recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple techniques and everyday ingredients.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
