I fail to see how almonds/nuts and apple can even be compared to a whey shake. Nuts, though very nutritious, small amount of insignificant protein and some good fats, and an apple, mostly fructose, amount to a very minute amount of protein, and incomplete protein at that. Whey, on the other hand is a complete protein source, with little to no fat depending on the brand. The comparison does not hold water.
Out for dinner post workout shake I would especially if bulking at this time have a meal that you normally wouldn't eat, higher glycemic, as uptake should still be high. A baked red potato for instance, white rice, etc. and a good lean protein source will do fine. ppwo(not a typo) is when gaining I have a higher glycemic meal than I would normally eat, though less than your pwo shake of simple sugars/protien. Bulking is all the more reason to do this.