I love this easy cake loaf when I have an abundance of courgettes generously given to me by my neighbour, and with its generous helping of warm spices, perfectly balanced sweetness and rich walnut studded texture, this cake turns a normal garden vegetable into an extraordinary treat.

Low – calorie cooking spray

120g wholemeal flour, I used spelt

120g self – raising flour

100g caster sugar

3 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp salt

100ml sunflower oil

80g jarred apple sauce, I had bramley apples, so I made my own stewed apple

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 small courgette, grated

80g walnuts, chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 180c. gas 4, 350f

Spray a 23cms x 11cms loaf tin with the low – calorie cooking spray and line the tin with non-stick baking paper.

In a large bowl, stir together the flours, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt.

In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, and eggs, stir in the courgette.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry only mixing just enough to combine, do not worry it will all come together. Stir in the walnuts reserving a few to scatter on the top just before putting it in the oven.

Put the mixture into your prepared tin and bake for about 45 – 50 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying with a lovely cup of tea.