If you’re searching for a cozy, rustic dessert that combines nostalgic orchard flavors with wholesome charm, this Einkorn Apple Cake will steal your heart. A celebration of sweet apples, aromatic spices, and the mild, nutty flavor of ancient einkorn wheat, this cake is as simple as it is stunning—delectable enough for a show-stopping dinner finale, but easy enough to bake on a weekday. With each ingredient thoughtfully chosen, you’ll fall in love with how Einkorn Apple Cake brings classic comfort food vibes into your kitchen while being just a bit more nourishing and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Einkorn Apple Cake enhances either its tenderness, flavor, or that dreamy, golden crumb. You probably have most ingredients on hand right now, but the way they all come together truly makes the cake memorable and delicious!
- Einkorn flour: The star of the show, einkorn flour contributes a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises evenly for a beautiful, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect crumb—especially with the acidity from yogurt or sour cream.
- Salt: Just a touch accents the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds that irresistible, classic apple cake aroma and warmth.
- Nutmeg: Lends subtle depth and an old-fashioned spice profile.
- Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness to the batter.
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Gives a caramelized sweetness and contributes to the soft, moist texture.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the crumb tender and the cake extra-moist—plus adds a lovely tang.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Both bring moisture; olive oil adds fruitiness, while butter delivers classic flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and pairs perfectly with apple and spice.
- Apples (peeled and chopped): Choose a crisp, tart variety for pops of flavor in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): A handful of nuts adds wonderful crunch and richness, but the cake is just as good without them!
How to Make Einkorn Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan so the cake pops out perfectly—use a bit of butter or nonstick spray, and if you’d like, line the bottom with parchment for extra insurance. A well-prepped pan means your Einkorn Apple Cake will have a great start!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the einkorn flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking doesn’t just combine things—it also helps aerate the flour, giving your cake an extra-light texture. It’s these spices mingling in the flour that make those first bites so aromatic and nostalgic.
Step 3: Make the Egg and Sugar Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the coconut sugar or brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step builds air into your cake, making it rise evenly and turn out tender. The coconut or brown sugar brings warmth and depth to the flavor, and the eggs pull the batter together smoothly.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the yogurt (or sour cream), olive oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract directly into your egg and sugar mixture. Blend until the mixture is smooth—this combo is responsible for the tender, super-moist crumb that Einkorn Apple Cake is known for.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour; over-mixing can make the cake a little dense, so go easy. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a moist, hearty cake.
Step 6: Stir in Apples and Nuts
Fold in the chopped apples and, if you’re feeling fancy, the walnuts or pecans. Go for even distribution so that every slice of your Einkorn Apple Cake has bites of tender apple and nutty crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely—this step sets the crumb for flawless slicing later.
How to Serve Einkorn Apple Cake
Garnishes
A little flourish can turn your Einkorn Apple Cake from homey to elegant! Dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, serve with a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup. For a cozy autumn touch, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon warms things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is delightful all on its own, but you can take your treat even further! Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or serve alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt for breakfast. A hot mug of tea, coffee, or hot cider makes the perfect beverage partnership with each soft, apple-laden bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch, cut the cake into cubes and layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra fruit for a stunning dessert. At celebrations, top each slice with a caramel drizzle or a scoop of spiced frosting. Or, turn a simple snack into a showstopper by serving Einkorn Apple Cake warm with cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Einkorn Apple Cake keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture stays moist, so you’ll find every slice just as tempting as when it came out of the oven.
Freezing
If you want to savor this cake over time, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop the whole cake (once cooled) into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
Warming up a slice is a quick ticket back to fresh-baked bliss. Pop a slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or gently reheat in a low oven wrapped in foil. That little bit of warmth revives the apples and makes the cake taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour instead of einkorn?
You can swap all-purpose or whole wheat flour for einkorn in this apple cake, but the texture and flavor will change slightly. Einkorn is unique for its delicate, slightly sweet taste, so substitutions may result in a heartier or denser crumb.
What type Dessert
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are especially delicious, as they hold their shape and provide a bright flavor contrast to the sweet, spiced cake. Feel free to mix varieties for more depth!
Is this cake gluten-free?
Einkorn is an ancient wheat, so this cake isn’t gluten-free; however, einkorn contains less gluten than modern wheat and some people find it easier on their digestion. If you need a gluten-free dessert, another recipe may be best.
Can I make this Einkorn Apple Cake ahead of time for an event?
Absolutely! Bake the cake the day before and keep it covered at room temperature. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it slices even more beautifully the next day.
What can I use if I don’t have yogurt or sour cream?
You can substitute with buttermilk or even a thick, plant-based yogurt to keep the cake moist and tender—just be sure to use an unsweetened variety to preserve that perfect sweet-tart balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderful about sharing a cake that’s filled with apple chunks, ancient grains, and the warmth of spice. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or as a heartfelt gift, Einkorn Apple Cake is simply a joy to bake and eat. Give it a try, and let this rustic, wholesome favorite become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too!
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Einkorn Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Einkorn Apple Cake is a delicious and wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with nutritious einkorn flour, fresh apples, and warm spices, this cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to whip up for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups einkorn flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together einkorn flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add yogurt, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Stir in the chopped apples and nuts, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This cake stays moist for several days and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
