Ricotta and Olive Oil Apple Loaf Cake with Cinnamon Sugar
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This ricotta and olive oil apple loaf cake with cinnamon sugar is soft, moist and full of warm autumn spices! The vanilla ricotta and olive oil cake has a layer of cinnamon apple pieces, and then it is topped with cinnamon sugar. It is the perfect fall baking recipe to enjoy apples and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Summer went by in a blink once again and September is here. And so are all the delicious apple recipes that come with the changing seasons! As much as I love summer baking, there is something magical about fall baking. The smell, the warm flavors, and cozy recipes. And although it is still 100 degrees here in California, I am ready to dive into the comfort that is fall baking! And what better way to kick off cozy season than this apple loaf cake!
This ricotta apple loaf cake was inspired one of my favorite recipes, my apple bread. But of course with some changes to make this one special in it own way! Instead of grated apples, there is a layer of cinnamon apples that runs down the center of this loaf cake, giving it texture and burst of apple flavor. The cake is a little tangy, perfectly sweetened, and makes for the best sweet breakfast, snack or dessert for the whole family.
Why you will love this ricotta and olive oil apple loaf cake
Easy: This apple ricotta loaf cake is actually really easy to make! The hardest part is waiting for it to bake in the oven. But it will make your house smell like fall as it bakes!
Fall Flavors: The added cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice give this fall baking recipe all those cozy vibes! When you add the apple with those warm spices, you have the perfect fall treat! But this loaf cake is delicious anytime of the year!
Lightly Sweetened: This loaf cake is not too sweet-just the perfect amount without feeling heavy on the sugar. The cinnamon sugar topping really helps add a touch more sweetness to the fall loaf cake.
Do the apples need to be peeled?
Yes! For this apple recipe, I highly recommend peeling the apples prior to cutting up. As much as I love to find shortcuts when it comes to baking, this is one step that is needed for the apples to come out the best. Because the apples are left in bite sized pieces, the peels will be standout after baking…and not in a good way.
What are the best kind of apples?
There are so many types of apples to choose from! So what ones work in this recipe? While the majority of apples will be a good fit in the healthy and easy oatmeal apple bread recipe, here are some of my favorites.
Honeycrisp: I love the honeycrisp apple because it works well in this recipe, but also is delicious on its own, so you can buy a larger quantity if you want. They are sweet and juicy!
Fuji: These crisp and juicy apples are on the sweeter side. They are great in this recipe, but also work for cooking and just eating on their own!
Pink Lady: This apple is tart yet still a little sweet. They are great for cooking and baking and enjoying on their own.
Gala: This is another great apple that works well for both baking/cooking and snacking on. They fall on sweeter side of the apples.
These are just some of the options you can use for the apple type. But feel free to use whatever kind of apple you love in this recipe!
What ingredients you will need for this apple loaf cake
All-Purpose Flour: All you need is a simple and easy to find all-purpose flour for the apple loaf cake. If you need the recipe to be gluten-free, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents used in loaf cake.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Sugar: Sweetness the loaf cake. It is used in the batter, with the apple pieces and in the cinnamon sugar topping.
Eggs: Provides structure to the loaf cake.
Ricotta: Adds moisture to the apple cake.
Vanilla extract: Gives the loaf a slight vanilla flavor.
Apple Sauce: Provides moisture.
Olive oil: Makes this loaf cake really moist and tender.
Apple: You will need about one large apple cut into bite sized pieces.
Cinnamon: Gives those warm fall flavors to the loaf cake.
Nutmeg: Adds another layer of fall flavors.
Allspice: A touch of allspice mixed with the apples to add more warm spices.
Tips and tricks for success
- Mix your wet and dry ingredients for the batter until just combined. Overmixing can cause the batter to become dense.
- Cut the apples into bite sized pieces. If they are cut too large, they will not bake and soften in the oven. It is okay for them to have some texture but you do not want them to be hard.
- Use parchment paper in your loaf pan for easy clean-up!
- Watch your bake time carefully so the loaf cake does not over bake. There are external factors that can effect how long it takes for it to bake so there will not be one set time that will work for everyone. Remove from the oven just as the batter sets and a toothpick comes out clean.
- You can store this apple ricotta loaf cake at room temperature in a airtight container for about 2 to 3 days. Or in the fridge for 3-4 days.
If you give this ricotta and olive oil apple loaf cake with cinnamon sugar recipe a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this ricotta apple cake as much as we do!
Ricotta and Olive Oil Apple Loaf Cake with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 C. Ricotta
- 1/2 C. Olive oil
- 1/4 C. Apple Sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 C. Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 1/2 C. All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
Apples:
- 1 C. Apples (diced and peeled, about 1 apple)
- 1 Tbsp. Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp. Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. Allspice
Cinnamon sugar topping
- 1 Tbsp. Sugar
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line a one pound loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the apple by combining the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice together in a medium bowl. Add the diced apples and toss until the apples are fully coated. Set aside.
- Make the cinnamon sugar topping by stirring the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- To make the batter, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Whisk together.
- In a separate large bowl, add the eggs and sugar together. Cream together for about 30 seconds with an electric mixer. Add in the ricotta, olive oil, vanilla extract, and apple sauce. Mix together until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
- Pour half the batter into the greased loaf pan. Evenly spread the diced cinnamon apples over the batter. Add the remaining batter over the apples and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the batter evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the batter is just set and toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the loaf cake.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
