• Whole Wheat Loaf Bread v2

    https://www.zagrosbakery.com/2024/06/whole-wheat-loaf-bread-v2.html

  • Whole Wheat Pizza

    https://www.zagrosbakery.com/2024/10/whole-wheat-pizza-update.html

  • Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

    https://www.zagrosbakery.com/2024/05/whole-wheat-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Cake

Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Cake


A year of tinkering in the kitchen – that's the story behind this incredible Apple Cinnamon Cake! It all started with a surplus of homegrown apples, a desire to create something delicious, and perhaps a slight oversight (who knew apple cobbler was an option all along?). But fear not, fellow bakers, because this journey of experimentation has yielded a truly fantastic result.

Through countless tweaks and adjustments to the same basic recipe, I've finally landed on the perfect balance of ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the 100% whole wheat flour. It adds a delightful heartiness to the cake without sacrificing any of the flavor. And speaking of flavor, the natural sweetness of the apples takes center stage, with just a touch of added sugar to coax it out. Here's the secret weapon: those juicy apple pieces! As the cake bakes, they slowly release their moisture, keeping the whole thing perfectly moist and dreamy. No dry crumbs here!

This cake is more than just a delicious way to use up some apples; it's a testament to the joys of experimentation in the kitchen. And the best part? It's become a cherished tradition in my family, gracing our Thanksgiving table year after year. So, why not give it a try in your own kitchen? You might just discover a new favorite recipe, born from a little bit of homegrown bounty and a whole lot of love.

 

Ingredients:

  • Dry ingredients
    • 3 cups whole wheat flour
    • ¾ cup sugar, half white and half brown
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
  • Wet ingredients
    • 1 cup softened butter or coconut oil
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 3 eggs (maybe try one more)
    • ¾ cup water, more or less as needed to ensure batter is thick and smooth. Should move smoothly when mixing spoon is pulled through top of batter, with no visible gaps, holes, or bubbles.
  • 3 ½ cups apples, peeled and chopped small (or even diced)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, as desired)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder, cinnamon powder. Then, make a well in the center and add wet ingredients: butter/oil, eggs, water, and vanilla. Mix well until combined (batter will be thick). Mix in chopped apples. 
    • Optionally, add only water to the dry ingredients, let sit for about 15-30 minutes, then begin adding the butter/oil, eggs, and vanilla. The bran in the whole wheat flour will absorb some of the water and make it easier to work with. Continue the rest of the recipe as usual.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one loaf pan or similar. Scoop batter into prepared pan, and make sure to fill corners and smooth out the top .
  3. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean; this can depend on the state of the apples, but expect about 1 hour and 20 minutes. 
    • Because I'll be running the oven anyway, I usually bake two of these cakes at a time. Try doubling the recipe and using two loaf pans with the same temperature and baking time.
  4. Let cake cool and optionally sift thin layer of powdered sugar over cooled cake, or add your own frosting.

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Whole Wheat Apple Cobbler

 Whole Wheat Apple Cobbler

 

My family’s house has happy little secret hidden in the side yard: a dense-leafed apple tree that's been there longer than us! We think somebody may have grafted multiple varieties onto that tree, though we don't have a name for any of them. However, twice a year it rewards us with a bounty of juicy, crisp apples. And let me tell you, these aren't your average supermarket apples. These are backyard beauties, grown naturally without any wax coatings or pesticides. The trouble was, we'd end up with piles and piles of these delicious apples, more than we could ever eat before they rotten. What's a home cook to do?

Well, this 100% whole wheat apple cobbler recipe is my answer to that annual apple avalanche! It's the perfect way to use up a whole bunch of apples at once, and it turns them into a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love. The best part? You don't need a ton of added sugar because the natural sweetness of the apples shines through beautifully when they bake. And to top it all off, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds that perfect autumn harvest touch.

Now, this recipe is real magic. It's so easy to follow, even for baking beginners. Plus, it's flexible! Whether you have a basket overflowing with apples or just a few lonely ones on the counter, you can easily adjust the recipe for the perfect amount. It's a fantastic dessert for cozy fall evenings, and it might even be impressive enough to earn a spot on your Thanksgiving table next week. Imagine the compliments you'll get when you tell everyone it's made with fresh, homegrown apples!

So, if you're looking for a delicious way to use up some seasonal bounty, or simply want a heartwarming dessert that's easy to make, give this 100% whole wheat apple cobbler a try. It's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!


Ingredients:

Filling

1/3 cup brown sugar 
3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1½  teaspoon ground cinnamon
½  teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but encouraged)
¼  teaspoon salt 
5 medium (fist-sized) apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1/2 centimeter thick
2 tablespoons lemon juice 

Topping 

¾  cup whole wheat flour
¼  cup granulated sugar
¾  teaspoon baking powder
¼  teaspoon salt
¼  cup butter, cut into 1cm cubes
½  cup buttermilk (1/2 cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice)

Equipment:

  • Measuring cup(s) and spoon(s)
  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Large spoon
  • Baking dish (8-inch square for 1x, 9x13-inch for 2x or more)
  • Oven

Directions:

  1. Grease 8-inch square baking dish (2-quart) with butter.
  2. Filling: Combine brown sugar, 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, cinnamon, cardamom and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; mix well. Add apples and lemon juice; toss until evenly coated. Spread apples evenly into prepared baking dish. 
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  4. Topping: Whisk together 3/4 cup flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk; stir until just combined. Drop by rough spoonful over apple filling. 
  5. Bake 60-65 minutes or until topping is deep golden brown and filling is bubbling. 
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, if desired.