Chocolate Chip Apple Cake
This cake is pretty.
This week has not been.
Lulu started kindergarten Tuesday. Or as I like to call it, “Black Tuesday.” Or “The Day The Man Landscaping Our Neighbor’s Yard Almost Called 9-1-1 Because He Thought I Was Having a Seizure.”
I was not okay.
Am not still.
Give me a sec.
It’s amazing the truly stupid things you will do when you are on the verge of an emotional breakdown.
Things like create a wonderfully delicious chocolate chip apple cake recipe and then just throw that recipe away.
Or give the piece of paper to your child to write a special note to her teacher, the new love of her life.
I dug through four trash cans, the recycling bin and more coffee grounds and unused CSA produce then I’d care to admit. (Seriously, if you find someone who enjoys eating ground cherries, run. There’s something wrong with them.)
And all I found was the piece of paper on which I’d written Lulu’s teacher’s name (for her to use for spelling purposes).
So I did what any person on the verge of an emotional breakdown would do.
I baked another cake.
I took Lulu to school.
I bawled and convulsed the whole way home.
And then I went for ice cream.
That half day of kindergarten went fast. As did the cake.
But I’m still not okay.
Give me a sec.
And/or more cake.
Chocolate Chip Apple Cake
Makes one 10-inch bundt cake
- 1/3 c. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance), organic butter or coconut oil, softened
- 2/3 c. unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 c. water
- 1 T. vanilla
- 2 organic or flax eggs (2 T. ground flax + 6 T. water, whisked and allowed to sit until thickened)
- 1 1/2 c. stevia baking blend or sucanat
- 2 1/2 c. gluten free oat flour (or gluten free old-fashioned oats, finely ground)
- 2 T. cocoa powder
- 1 t. ground cinnamon
- 1 t. ground nutmeg
- 1 t. baking soda
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1 c. apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 c. shredded zucchini, squeezed dry or grated apple
- 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips, divided
- 1 T. coconut oil
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Lightly grease a bundt pan or spray with cooking spray.
Using an electric or stand mixer, cream together margarine, butter or oil, applesauce, water, vanilla and eggs and sweetener of your choice.
In another large bowl, combine oat flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt.
Add flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in diced apples, shredded zucchini or grated apple and 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Pour cake batter into prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cook for at least ten minutes in pan, then transfer to cooling rack.
For fudge glaze, melt together remaining half cup of chocolate chips and coconut oil, using a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle glaze over top of cake and set in refrigerator until hardened. Cake is great reheated but also served cold from the fridge.
Before, during or after school.
yum!!! love you! sorry for the stress!
I just love you Mama Pea & your way with words. I can only imagine how tough Tuesday was for you. Both girls in school…wow…I bet it felt like time FLEW by. I’m due in November with a baby girl, and just thinking of sending her to school ALREADY has me a bit upset.
You are an amazing Mom…and I hope I can only be half the Mom that you are! <3
Thank you, sweet Holly. I don’t know how I am going to be okay with this at all. I can’t even think about next year when it is full day.
I’m sure LuLu is LOVING school! I know it’s hard, but part of being a good Mama is letting those babies go!
She is (kind of). She’s a mama’s girl.
I’m homeschooling this year (for at least part of year). I’m WAY over my head, so it’s nice to get your perspective on how emotional it is to send your youngest to school–I’m sure I’d be having a similar meltdown (although I’m experiencing melt-downs of a different sort homeschooling) if I had to deal with back-to-school-blues.
(Kuddos to you for baking the cake again. You’re a superstar, better woman than me. I’d have called it a day after the 1st.)
I have to tell you, I’ve been thinking about home schooling a LOT. Good for you for taking on such a noble challenge!
Yes, sometimes it seems to be a thankless job (motherhood X 10), but I’m committed to giving it a try. We’ll see where it goes.
I don’t think I’ve ever identified with one of your posts more than this one. I wish we were neighbors so we could eat cake and miss our babies away at school together
Seriously. Today was no better. I can’t talk about it.
I <3 you Sarah. You make my day! And this cake looks delicious!
BTW, I made the Healthy Monkey Bread AND the Chocolate-Glazed Cake Donuts for my Bible Study Group on Sunday. No store-bought goods for my group!
Lucky group!
OMG!this cake looks just so delicious!!!…i NEED to try this!
….and by the way…i’m crazy about ground cherries
Seriously? I just got a pound and a half about ten minutes ago in our box.
yep! so serious!every time we have some in our organic box i eat theme when i’m driving home!
Yay a bundt cake! I have an awesome pink silicone bundt “pan” that I got for my wedding 5 years ago and have used maybe 3 times.
And – what’s wrong with ground cherries? Yum! They taste like pineapple tomatoes!
Oh, maybe that’s why I don’t like them. I don’t like tomatoes!
I can sympathize.. except that I was pretty stoked about my youngest starting Kindergarten (2 girls who started high school & middle school this year & my baby boy who started Kindergarten!) I wasn’t, however, prepared for the big hug he gave to her at the end of the day & made me wait for about 3 hours before I was worthy of one! I about cried the second day, though, when my home was silent for several hours. Weird & kind-of lonely after having him be home almost daily for 5 1/2 years!
i have a question…where do i go to put a picture of me beside my comments???
Hi Joanne,
Try Gravitar.
thanks!
Okay, chocolate and apples…yes please! This looks insane!
My youngest started kindergarten this week too. I have never wanted to have another baby more than I do right now – where did the last 5 years go?!
I feel you.
aww, how did lulu become a kindergartener so quickly? at least she’s only doing half days! – plus kid’s love going home at the end of a school day to their mama
especially when they fix them delicious snacks!
this cake looks amazingly delicious. lucky lulu
Thank goodness for half day kindergarten!
Veggies & fruit….almost health food! Love the look of the chocolate drizzle and that last picture is priceless!
oh, my heart! i can’t believe Lu’s already in kindergarten…or that Wes is 6 months old already…or that i’m already thinking about having tons more kiddos so i can always have my nose attached to a baby’s head for sniffing.
Do it!
Can’t believe she’s such a big girl and it happened…overnight! I remember when you were giving birth (well your blog posts shortly thereafter!) WOW!
And this cake. Okay this is so weird. I have never in almost 4 yrs of blogging made an apple cake OR a bundt cake…and on Sunday, I have a post going out that’s just that (part of a group & it has to go that day). There’s no chocolate and it’s not vegan so it’s different than yours
but still…what are the odds!
I want to try a big slice of yours – it looks amazing and the chocolate is *perfect*.
There is another solution to this problem you know. Can the pod hold one more pea?
I had cousins attending their first year of Kindergarten last week and I cried. Second cousins. That live across the country. In other words, I can’t even imagine what you went through.
You are a good cousin.
AAAWWW. Hang in there. It doesn’t get any easier, but really, there is no choice about the leaving of the nest.
My girls are 22 and 25 now (how did THAT happen?) and I have never regretted for a moment my decision to be their “stay-home mom.” The time just FLIES. Here’s the irony— when you parent really well, THE CHILDREN GROW UP AND LEAVE!!!
It’s difficult. But it’s difficult for all the very BEST reasons.
I’ll be sharing this recipe with my “little” girls. Thanks!
Thanks, Brenda. Your words are so comforting. And you’ll maybe get to be a grandparent in the relatively near future?
Aww Mama Pea, I can only imagine how hard it was! I’m not a mom but I know my mum has seen me off to kindergarten and university (which was 16 hours away from where she was living at the time) and there were lots of tears!! On a very happy note though, this cake looks beautiful!!! I love anything that I can sneak veggies in (pumpkin and zucchini are 2 of my faves!) and this cake totally fits the bill. I might just have to make one for MY mum when I go to visit for Canadian Thanksgiving in October!
Ohhhh….my heart breaks for you too. Such a big change from having someone home with you all day, I’m sure. There are several women in my office going through this as well. But…it’s time for Lulu to embark on her own life’s adventure and the fun part is, you get to hear ALL about it! And lucky us…you bring us along for the ride. Big hugs to you….you are an outstanding mom!
Thank you, sweet friend. Change is hard but without it, nothing can get better! And I know my life can’t possibly be over at 34.
I cannnnot even imagine what that day will be like. I want to convulse just thinking about it. I like your coping mechanism though…cake for the win.
Emails from sweet friends help too. Response coming soon. And your timing we impeccable.
Sarah, can turbinado sugar work for sucanant? I can’t find that in my corner of Ohio. Sorry about being sad for Lulu-I put my youngest on the bus (few years ago) and then drove up to school right away to take pictures…but kinda just to make sure the bus got there too:)
You can use whatever sugar/sweetener you can get your hands on!
I don’t have kids yet, but I totally think I was be a mess! What a sweet mama you are to make cake for your kiddos. Their so blessed by your love!
Oh and ps – I’ve gone gluten free and this recipe looks delish!!!
I am, without a doubt, the blessed one.
Okay – I’m never going to type a comment on my phone again. Those typos (I mean “was be” and the wrong “their” – gah!!!) are going to haunt me.
Oh, my thoughts are with you! My son is just 18 months, and I already lose it when thinking about kindergarden. I’m expecting #2 in early December… maybe I will just keep having babies so there will always be one with me? haha.
I like your strategy.
GOOD GRACIOUS! mmm delicious.
First off, thank you for this blog. I use it for dinner and snacks almost daily. Thank you for your inspiring way of standing up for your beliefs in Christ and integrating that into your daily life and into this blog. This world needs women of faith like you.
Secondly, my youngest of 3 just went to first grade this year. I was so sad. How can you be a stay at home mom with no one at home to mother? I don’t want to just be a stay at home housekeeper. I could pay someone for that (but I won’t). I homeschooled one of my children last year. It was very challenging and very rewarding. Don’t rule it out. You do have a choice. If you want your children to be with you at home, try homeschooling. There are great dual enrollment options as well. I will homeschool again. In the meantime, I have learned that “my time” is really time the Lord has given me to figure out and do His will, part of which is being the best mom I can, which means doing a little for myself, but mostly things for others. Even just a friendly chat with a lonely neighbor when you bring them some extra zuchinni (I mean, if you happen to have any laying around). Even with my busy schedule, I can handle my kids being gone to school if I wake up every day asking who I can serve (as long as I can serve it with zuchinni)
and then follow through with it. You have your heart in the right place. Follow it.
What a blessing your comment is, Summer! Thank you…for your encouragement, your wisdom and pointing to Him. I know He has something in store for all of us, no matter how much my heart aches right now. He’s using this, me, each step of the road for something! I just have to be patient and hold tight to that promise. Thanks for giving me some real ways to serve while I’m waiting. Much love to you and your family.
Gorgeous recipe, and a gorgeous big heart that made it <3 I don't have children, but you are showing me sides of motherhood that I don't get to see every day… my heart breaks for you Mama, sending many bear hugs your way!
btw – I am so thankful you are doing more gluten free recipes… now I just need to actually make them!!
I feel for you….I just sent my oldest boy to COLLEGE! He’s been gone only 3 weeks….feels like 3 months! But, this cake looks so delicious….my mom is coming to visit next week and I shall make it for her…thank you for all that you do…YOU ARE AWESOME…even while having a seizure.
Thank you, sweet Connie. I think we should all have a big chunk of cake, a good cry and revel in the wonderful little creations our (not so little) children are.
This cake sounds DELICIOUS! Can’t wait to try it.
I haven’t had groundcherries, but upon reading your post, I looked them up. Maybe you can try a kind of tomatillo sauce with them: char them, and blend with garlic, salt and cilantro. Put it on your tacos. Maybe. Anyway, the cake looks delicious. I wouldn’t have thought of chocolate chip apple cake. Now it seems like a great combo.
Thanks, that sounds like a great idea! I was just expecting cherry cherries…you know?
I want to make this today…but I don’t have applesauce. Could I use pumpkin instead, or would that be wierd?
No, it’d be delicious! And I want some.
Good! Then I’m totally making it. Stop on by if you need an afternoon tasty pick-me-up!
I feel your pain. My two children are long out of college/graduate school/PhD and I still get a knot in my stomach when school begins just remembering having to let them go from my apron strings. I would do the same as you – bawl spasmodically and uncontrollably that first day and beyond and, just like you, I’d bake them a special treat to welcome them HOME. I wish I could tell you it will get easier with each passing year, but it doesn’t! The only thing that helped was that good cry – very cathartic.
I am not usually a big crier, but man, it’s been waterworks over here. And somehow, it makes me feel a little bit better. Thank you for the encouragement!
I’m going against the grain on this one but THIS mama is thrilled to bits to have both kids in preschool, 3 days a week for 3 hrs at a time! I do the happy dance when I drop them off so that I can finally have some well deserved “me time” to get pedicures, grocery shop in peace, get some exersize in and recharge to be the best mommy I can be. While mine are at school tomorrow I will be making this apple cake & mama peas “cheese” stuffed black bean burgers which are just to die for! I also have the meatloaf muffins & tamale pie on the menu for this weekend. Also…I don’t know what the heck it is about that garden enchilada bake but I am addicted, but I think my family is over it for awhile. Mama pea, i always add the corn plus try making it with 1/2 ancho chile powder, it’s easy to find, mild heat & gives it a nice hint of smokey flavor.
Great tips…both with the casserole and pedicures
I’m pretty sure my momma had the same reaction when they moved me into my dorm freshman year of college…and when I got on the plane to study in Spain for a semester…and possibly when I officially moved 3 hours away into my first apartment.
The good news? No matter how many important people (teachers, friends, significant others) come through my life, my momma is still the first person I want to call when anything – good, bad, or mundane – happens. She’s still my best friend. Lulu may grow up, but you’ll always be her momma. =)
That’s so sweet. Thanks, Stephie.
Today was my birthday and I made your cake. It’s delicious! I didn’t bother with the glaze and it was still very good. Someone asked about using raw sugar. That’s what I used. I’m not familiar with sucanat.
I can’t believe she is starting kindergarten. When I started reading your blog, she was still such a teeny kiddo! If it’ll help, I’ll secretly pray that her teacher is a bit of a kook. And tells Lulu that she spells her name wrong. Just like mine did.
My oldest is now in 6th grade…but boy, can I relate. ALL of his first day of kindergarten pictures (posing with dad, his new school outfit with backpack, approaching the bus, on the bus steps and waving from the window) are a total loss – because I was crying so hard…..I fogged the camera! You can barely make him out through the fog. One day it might be funny, but geesh it still kind of hurts.
Sorry for the stress! The cake looks absolutely delicious though. It’s the little things in life sometimes.
Bless your heart. You know what’s best about the day? When they come home and tell you all about the day, and you get your hug and eat a snack with them. It does get easier–really! My husband and I decided when we were first married that I would stay at home while Stephie was growing up. One of the best decisions we ever made. Stephie and I are still very close, and always will be. It’s not easy, but it’s what God intended to happen….they start becoming beautiful women of God and that’s worth it all. (I will admit that this post made me have tears in my eyes–I still miss my baby and she’s going on 24. Sigh.) Have a fabulous weekend–the weekends and long holidays are the best!
SOS! I’m making the cake right now & I don’t think the 1 1/2 Cups of stevia blend is correct, i think it’s WAY too much? Please clarify ASAP I don’t want to add it yet. The stevia blends are sweeter than sugar, like 1 c. sugar to 1/3 c. stevia blend. So… 1 1/2 Cups stevia blend would be as sweet as several cups of sugar which I know just can’t be correct…Maybe I’m wrong?
I use the 1 1/2 cups and it’s fine! It’s a really large cake
I love apple cake. I love chocolate. It’s a no brainer.
My youngest started half-day kindergarten last week too. I am totally in denial and just going merrily along thinking about it like “every day preschool”, which it basically is. First grade is a much harder adjustment for this Momma, when they are gone ALL DAY LONG and you have no idea how they’re doing. Luckily I have completely entwined myself in my 2 daughters school and can visit under the guise of “volunteering” whenever I feel like it.
I’m not a mom, but I can only imagine how hard that must be. But I’m sure also very exciting to watch her learn and grow during this exciting school year. I’m loving this recipe and I want to try it tonight! Apple Cake is actually a traditional food for the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, once I saw this recipe I am so sad I’m not hosting the holiday this year. I think I will have to make it for my own celebration
I dont know what happennnnneeeddd ***whine*** It doesnt look anything like your pic Peamama!!! the apples are still crunchy and the chips havent completely melted, this after about an hr and a half in the 325 oven
I wondered why the batter wasnt even a little bit liquidy before ‘pouring’ into the tin 
noooooo major fail!! Shd I have heated the apples and choc chips b4 folding into the batter??
Honestly, I’m worried that maybe something is wrong with your oven!
Oh crackers! Maybe you’re right- the top was unmelted, w choc + apple chips *sigh* but the bottom was quite good. I used a tsp of liquid stevia instead of the blendy stuff and the sweetness was right on. I’m still licking that chocolate glaze too tho. Just cant go wong w/ that. Oh and subbed pumpkin spice cuz i cdnt find nutmeg grater. Mmmmm- woulda been so much better w/ proper heat!
BTW I made my own applesauce whoohooo after your suggestion that it could be done in a HS blender- googled it, and I learned that i dont even need my machinery. I boil those babies up w/ some lime juice and lil brandy and tada I’m a saucy happy gal! Thanks mamapea. Maybe i oughta go clean that oven :shhhh
Did you maybe not switch it from preheat to bake? Because I have done that before with my parents’ oven and had similar results. I really hope you can get it fixed! And brandy applesauce??? YUM.
Just made this cake. It didn’t turn out quite like I wanted – mostly because the top fell off when I tried to take it out of the pan. It also looks darker than yours, but it’s very moist. And the flavors are delicious!!!
Ohh my yum…making this for a family get together tomorrow! First thing I thought when I saw this: Needs a carmel sauce and nuts! One of my favorite things about fall is going to Apple Hill (a place where you drive from stop to stop (mostly orchards) to pick up apples, pumpkins…arts and crafts, pies, and my all time fav…chocolate, carmel covered apples with nuts! YUM. Add some nuts and carmel to this cake and it’s like a different version of my favorite thing ever!! Too bad I’m watching my calories or else I would tweek this tomorrow
Thanks for the recipe, MP! Can’t wait to make it!
Hope you are love it! I totally dig your caramel idea
I was thinking about making this for my neice’s birthday this weekend, but I don’t have a bunt pan. Any ideas how to adjust the baking time for a different kind of pan (rectangle, round, muffin tin)? Thanks MP!M
Chez, I’d halve the recipe and cook it in an 8×8 inch square pan. I’d start checking the center for doneness at around 45 minutes. You could also try as is in 9×13 pan if you need to feed a larger crowd. You’ll likely need the full baking time, but I’d check a bit earlier anyway. Good luck!
Thanks, I’ll try that! I’m pumped to try this, it sounds delish!!
Turned out delicious! It was a hit with the vegans, the GFers, and the regular peeps alike.
Thanks for the recipe!!
Oh wonderful! I’m so glad!