Naked ape can't find a nut (5)
I believe the answer is:
pecan
'a nut' is the definition.
(type of nut)
'naked ape can't find' is the wordplay.
'naked' says the answer is hidden in the clue (with the letters around the hidden word taken off).
'PECAN' is hidden in the letters of 'ape cant find'.
(Other definitions for pecan that I've seen before include "Nut tree of the southern United States and Mexico" , "Smooth pinkish-brown nut, nice in pie" , "Walnut-like nut" , "Something like a walnut" , "US nut tree" .)