Passover Apple Cake

Of all the holidays of any denomination that I cook for throughout the year, there is none more challenging than Passover. The history and symbolism of Passover requires us to not eat anything that is leavened. So that leaves out any bread products, even ones that are gluten free. During Passover, we cannot eat anything that rises. While there are lots of delicious dinner options that include meats, poultry, vegetables and potatoes, the dessert category requires a bit of creativity. That’s where this Passover Apple Cake comes in.

Passover Apple Cake vs. Jewish Apple Cake

Do not confuse this Passover Apple Cake with traditional Jewish Apple Cake or you’ll be disappointed. But I will assure you that it’s the closest you can get to the leavened version while still playing by the Passover rules. Like the leavened version, this Passover Apple Cake is loaded with juicy apples drenched in cinnamon and sugar, and when it’s baking your house smells like a bakery straight out of heaven. And by Passover standards, this cake is delish. In fact, it’s probably one of my most requested recipes, only because it’s really tough to get desserts right on this holiday.

What’s in this Passover Apple Cake

This recipe has been in my family for generations, and I have stayed true to the original recipe. It has just a few simple ingredients and is easy to make. We make it with cake meal, which is nothing more than finely ground matzo. In the event that you can’t find cake meal, you could try using regular matzo meal and just pulse it in a food processor until it is super fine.

There’s also no dairy in this recipe. We use vegetable oil and eggs for moisture. There’s also sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and – you guessed it – lots of juicy apples!

Go for a baking apple variety for this Passover Apple Cake, same as you would use in a pie or in traditional Jewish Apple Cake. My favorites are Macoun, Fuji and Gala.

This recipe makes enough for a large group, and I promise you’ll be proud to bring it to any seder. Enjoy!

Passover Apple Cake

Juicy apples drenched in cinnamon sugar, easy to make and Kosher for Passover – a delicious addition to your seder!

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Jewish

Servings 16

Ingredients

  

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• 6 eggs room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups cake meal
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3-4 medium sized apples peeled, cored and sliced thin
• 2 tsp. sugar + 1 tsp. cinnamon mixture

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Toss the sliced apples in the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs well. Gradually add the sugar, oil and vanilla, mixing well after each addition. Add cake meal and blend well.
• Pour half of the cake batter into the pan, smooth, and arrange half of the apple slices over the batter in a single layer. Repeat with one more layer of batter and apples.
• Bake for 50-55 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.

Keyword cake, dessert

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