Apple, walnut, and raisin cake

Apple, walnut, and raisin cake – a delicious dessert recipe that combines the warm flavors of autumn with a moist and rich texture. This cake is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a warm drink, making it an excellent choice for cool evenings or a sweet snack between meals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 225 g brown sugar
- 225 g white sugar
- 375 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 450 g white flour (you can also use some whole wheat flour for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 400 g apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 120 g walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts for an authentic taste)
- 120 g raisins (you can also use golden raisins for a color contrast)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 2 ground cloves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 50 ml brandy (optional, but recommended for a refined taste)

Preparation:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. Prepare a loaf pan (about 30 cm long) by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. In a bowl, mix the apples with the lemon zest, orange zest, brandy, vanilla and rum extracts, a little cinnamon, and set aside to infuse with the flavors.

3. In another large bowl, mix the eggs with the brown sugar and white sugar until you get a smooth and fluffy mixture. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously.

4. Sift the flour together with the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, mixing gently to avoid developing the gluten. The mixture will be quite thick, but this is normal.

5. Add the chopped walnuts, raisins, and marinated apple cubes, mixing gently until evenly distributed. Avoid crushing the apples during mixing.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with the spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the cake is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test (inserted in the center, it should come out clean).

7. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:
Slice the cake and serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. This quick dessert is ideal for a gathering with friends or for enjoying with family. You can add, if desired, a drizzle of honey or a vanilla sauce for extra flavor.

Variations:
For an exotic touch, you can add some pieces of pineapple or mango, or you can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts. You can also experiment with spices, adding ginger or nutmeg for additional flavor.

This apple, walnut, and raisin cake is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring you joy in every slice. Prepare it with love and enjoy every moment of cooking!

 Ingredients: 3 eggs 225 g brown sugar 225 g white sugar 375 ml oil 450 g white flour (I added some whole wheat) Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon baking soda (activated or not) 1 full teaspoon cinnamon A pinch of salt 400 g peeled and diced apples 120 g chopped walnuts 120 g raisins Rum essence 2 ground cloves Brandy Lemon zest Orange zest

 Tags:  cake recipe nut cake apple pie