French Apple Pie Bread

Adapted from the China Study Cookbook page 55.

These are the ingredients to make 1 loaf.

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/4 cups unsweetened nondairy milk(rice, soy, almond, oat, etc…)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar dissolved in hot water (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup peeled and sliced apples
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup raisins

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, stir together: milk, the brown sugar dissolved in water( or maple syrup if using) and vanilla. Stir together the dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
4. Sauté the Apples
   Peel and slice 2 large apples. Sauté them with 1 tsp of fresh ginger over medium heat until they soften but still remain slightly firm. This step enhances the flavor of the apples.
5. Assemble the Cake
   Lay the sautéed apples evenly across the bottom of a greased 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Pour the wet mixture over the apples and spread it evenly.
6. Bake the Cake
   Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your apple spice cake is ready!

Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Spice Cake
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. This delightful dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!