Apple Mushroom Spice Cake

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 35 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and finely diced
• 3/4 cup cremini mushrooms, finely minced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan, then line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
2. 2In a dry skillet over medium heat, quickly sauté the minced mushrooms for 4 to 5 minutes until they release moisture and turn lightly golden; cool completely so they do not steam the batter.
3. 3Whisk together both flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until the spices are evenly distributed.
4. 4In a separate bowl beat the eggs with the maple syrup, melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth and slightly frothy.
5. 5Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until no dry streaks remain; the batter will be thick.
6. 6Gently stir in the diced apples, cooled sautéed mushrooms, and pecans so the produce is evenly studded throughout.
7. 7Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top; bake 32 to 38 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs and the top springs back lightly.
8. 8Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool another 10 minutes before slicing.
9. 9Serve slightly warm so the apple pieces stay juicy and the subtle earthy mushroom note balances the warming spices.