Dining In - Iced Apple Cake Squares

Iced Apple Cake Squares - Chloe's Kitchen

This is a rich, heavenly dessert that mimics an apple crumble or pie. The first time I made it I shared it with my boyfriend's family. We finished the whole pan in no time and no one could believe it was vegan. I also made it for an office bake-off because I thought it had winning potential. I am sad to say it didn't win, but it still got votes! Here's the kicker, I'm almost embarrassed to note this, but I feel I must warn you - it has one cup of oil, gulp, over a cup of sugar, eek, plus another cup of powdered sugar, yikes! Okay, so you can't call this healthy, even with the three apples it's hiding, but man it's good. I would add a few minutes to the cook time to dry up the middle, and of course feel free to reduce the oil right off the bat and experiment by using applesauce to substitute. You can find this recipe and others in Chloe's Kitchen (buy your copy here). 

2 cups flour

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 Braeburn or Gala apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons almond milk


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom of 8 or 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. 

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, mix together oil, vanilla, and vinegar. 

Pour wet mixture into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts and chopped apples. It will seem like there is not enough batter to cover the apples (see photo), but don't worry they will soften up when cooked and the batter will distribute itself. 

Press into pan and cook for 30-45 minutes, until top is browned, check middle to make sure it's set. 

To prepare icing, combine powdered sugar and almond milk in a medium bowl. Drizzle icing over warm cake. Serve cooled to room temperature or warm.