Apple pudding slice

To my amazement, our apple tree is already producing apples. I'm sure it wasn't meant to for another 2 years (we planted it at the end of last year), but the current fruit is a precursor to the apples it will produce in time. We have a 'Scrumptious' tree and it should produce red, sweet-crisp apples of a moderate size. These initial fruit are green, tart and small - not so good for eating plain, but perfect for baking with.

I have lots of apple baking recipes already but still like to experiment with new ones. I made this slice after a day out and about with my parents, and wanted something that would come together in a single bowl with no electric beating necessary. Consequently, this is an easy recipe to make.

I used banana as an egg alternative (rather than chia seeds or similar) and think that gave added moisture to the slice, which is soft and chewy under a crisper top. With the sweet, almost caramelised apple pieces, it really did feel like pudding in slice form. You can't taste the banana (I know some people aren't a fan of banana baked goods) and the slice doesn't need any accompaniment, but I imagine it would be delicious served warm with ice cream in winter. We're having a bit of a heat wave at the moment (30'C here today!) so we enjoyed it cold.

This got ticks of approval from my parents and Mr Bite and I expect to make it again - possibly with some more of our home-grown apples.

Apple pudding slice

An easy slice that contrasts a soft, chewy centre with a crisp topping and sides, with apple pieces generously studded throughout

Vegan

Makes 12 - 16 slices

Author: Bite-sized thoughts

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Ingredients

1 medium-large ripe banana

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice

1 tsp vanilla essence

1-1/2 cups white sugar

2 cups plain flour

2 tsp mixed spice (pumpkin pie spice) or cinnamon

1 tsp bicarbondate of soda

Pinch salt

1/4 cup sultanas or raisins

4-6 small to medium apples, roughly chopped, to yield approx. 1-1/2 cups apple pieces

Icing sugar, for dusting

Method

Pre-heat your oven to 175'C (350'F) and prepare a square baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the banana with a fork and then whisk together with the oil, milk and vanilla. Add the sugar, flour, spice, bicarbonate of soda and salt and stir well with a wooden spoon to combine. 

Stir in the sultanas / raisins and chopped apple.

Transfer the batter to your prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Allow to cool fully in the pan before cutting.

Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Have you grown apples - and if so, do you have any advice for apple tree care?

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