Apple Chocolate Chip Cake (Butter-Free!)

Apple and Chocolate Chips Cake is a soft and delicious dessert, a variation of the classic and beloved apple cake. It is prepared with a butter-free dough made with cream, Golden apples and chocolate chips, with a vanilla and lemon flavor. Soft even after days, this cake is perfect for breakfast and a snack for adults and children, soaked in a cup of milk or served with a hot infusion during the winter afternoons. The apples, added both inside and in slices on the surface, make it moist and with a melting consistency, a real delight.

What is Apple and Chocolate Chips Cake?

In France, the Tarte Tatin, an upside-down apple tart, was popularized in the 19th century by the Tatin sisters at their restaurant in Lamotte-Beuvron.

In the United States, the Apple Stack Cake is a traditional Appalachian dessert. This multi-layered cake, with apple filling between each layer, was often a communal effort at weddings in the 19th century, where guests would each bring a layer to assemble the cake.

The combination of apples and chocolate in desserts is a more recent innovation, likely emerging in the 20th century as global culinary traditions began to merge. While specific historical records of the first apple and chocolate cake are scarce, this fusion reflects a broader trend of combining traditional fruit-based desserts with the rich flavor of chocolate to create new and indulgent treats.

Pro Tips for The Best Apple and Chocolate Chips Cake

• Peel, core, and dice the apples uniformly to ensure even baking and a consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Bring eggs, butter, and other ingredients to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and prevents lumps.
• Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking. An accurate oven temperature ensures even cooking.
• For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the apples or a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.
• Test the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld and the structure to set.

What Are The Best Types of Apples to Use in This Cake?

Opt for firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the chocolate.

How Do I Prevent the Chocolate Chips From Sinking?

To prevent chocolate chips from sinking in your apple and chocolate cake, toss them in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. The flour coating helps the chips adhere to the batter, keeping them suspended as the cake bakes. Additionally, using a slightly thicker batter can also help distribute the chocolate chips evenly throughout the cake.

Can I Swap the Cream for Something Else?

Of course! You can use either ricotta cheese or mascarpone cream to substitute the cream! The result will still be delicious!

Can I Use a Bundt Cake Pan to Make This Cake?

Yes, this apple and chocolate cake can be made in a bundt cake pan! Ensure the pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking, as bundt cakes have intricate designs. Baking time may need to be adjusted, so check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake.

Can This Cake be Made in Advance?

Sure! Bake the cake and allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Does This Cake Freeze Well?

It does! Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before enjoying.

More Apple and Chocolate Delicious Desserts!

Apple Brownies (Healthy!)

Chocolate Chip Apple Muffins

Apple Cookies

Apple Churros

How to Store Apple and Chocolate Chips Cake

The apple and chocolate cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days under a glass bell jar or in an airtight container.

How to Make Apple and Chocolate Chips Cake

Shell the eggs and put them in a bowl together with the sugar, vanilla and grated lemon zest.

Beat with an electric whisk for a few minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, then add the oil and continue whipping. In a separate bowl, whip the fresh liquid cream, then pour it into the bowl and, using a spatula, gently incorporate it into the mixture using movements from the bottom to the top.

Then, incorporate the yogurt.

At this point add the sifted flour together with the yeast.

Continue mixing until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture, quite full-bodied and not too fluid.

Peel an apple, cut it into cubes and add them to the mixture together with two third of the chocolate chips, mixing with a spatula.

Transfer the dough into a 8inch diameter circular mold, greased and floured.

Decorate the surface of the cake by arranging the remaining sliced apples in a radial pattern.

Continue until the entire surface of the cake is covered.

Decorate with the other chocolate chips and the powdered sugar. Bake the cake at 350°F/180°C for about 45 minutes, checking the cooking with a toothpick that should come out dry. Remove from the oven and let it cool, then turn it out on a baking rack.

Enjoy!