Okay. So it’s not the best looking cake around, but it’s super moist, tasty, and best of all, the perfect thing to make with the kiddos. The ChowPapa’s mama shared this recipe while here helping with Oliver. Because the whole thing can be made in one bowl, she and Isaac were able to whip it up in a snap. This doesn’t have to be a big rainy day baking project—it’s easy enough to make (and clean up!) on a whim. And you’ll still have time to hit the playground.

Your best bet is to prep the apples on your own before you bring your ChowBaby into the kitchen. (Consider peeling them so that you have “ribbons” leftover—they were a hit with Isaac!) Then, bring her in for one bowl measuring and mixing. Bake and enjoy for breakfast, snack or dessert. Have fun!

One Bowl Apple Cake
(can be served to kids 8+ mos)

1 1/4 c organic sugar
2 c organic flour
2 tsp organic cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
2 organic eggs
1/2 c organic vegetable oil
2 tsp organic vanilla
1 c organic walnuts* (optional)
5 1/2 c organic apples, peeled and chopped into 1 1/2″ pieces

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cinnamon and baking soda. Mix in eggs, oil and vanilla. Add nuts and apples.

3. Bake in a 9×9 pan for about 50 minutes. Cake is done when tester comes out of center clean.

*Note: There is a lot of disagreement about when it’s safest to introduce tree nuts. Some pediatricians (and I) believe that it is safe to introduce nuts to children without other food allergies or family history of food allergies at 12 months. Others encourage parents to wait until 24 or 36 months. Speak to your pediatrician about what’s best for your child.