Apple Sour Cream Cinnamon Walnut Bundt Cake

Introduction

The Apple Sour Cream Cinnamon Walnut Bundt Cake, a classic dessert that exudes warmth and comfort, is a true celebration of fall flavors and cozy afternoons. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also an aromatic experience that fills your home with the inviting scent of cinnamon, caramelized apples, and toasted walnuts. Crafted with a tender crumb enriched by sour cream, this cake boasts a moist texture that remains delightful even days after baking. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this bundt cake offers a perfect balance of fruity tartness, spicy warmth, and nutty crunch.

Originating from the widespread popularity of Bundt cakes in the mid-20th century, this particular recipe combines traditional ingredients with seasonal apples, making it a timeless favorite. The combination of textures—from the soft apple chunks and creamy batter to the crunchy walnuts—ensures each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and sensations. The aesthetic appeal of the ring-shaped cake, especially when drizzled with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, makes it a centerpiece on any dessert table. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is meticulously crafted to deliver maximum flavor, moistness, and visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts.

Time

The entire process of preparing, baking, and cooling this exquisite cake takes approximately 2 hours, making it a reasonable yet rewarding baking project. Here is the detailed breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
• Cooling Time: About 1 hour

While the active preparation is minimal, the cooling period is crucial to ensure clean slicing and presentation. Patience during this phase guarantees a perfect slice and optimal flavor development.

Needed Equipment

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Bundt Pan: A high-quality, non-stick or well-greased Bundt pan is essential for achieving the traditional ring shape and easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and folding ingredients without overworking the batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurement of ingredients ensures consistent results.
• Peeler and Corer: To prepare apples efficiently, removing skin and coring without waste.
• Grater: For optional grating of apples or zesting of citrus if desired.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking without condensation.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check for doneness.
• Piping Bag or Sifter: For optional glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
• Kitchen Scale: For precise measurement of ingredients, especially when weighing nuts or flour.

Tags

Festive, Autumn, Baking, Moist Cake, Nutty, Spiced, Fruity, Comfort Food, Dessert, Family Favorite, Seasonal Baking

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12-14 generous slices, suitable for serving a family or a small gathering. Adjust portion sizes accordingly for larger groups or smaller servings. Each slice, when plated, will showcase the beautiful ring shape with visible apple chunks and walnuts, making it both a visual and gastronomic delight.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. The recipe involves standard baking techniques like folding, mixing, and proper baking times. Familiarity with handling fruit and nuts is beneficial but not mandatory. The key is to avoid overmixing the batter and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Allergen Information

Note: For those with allergies, consider substituting gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free sour cream alternatives, or nut substitutes like seeds.

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian. This cake contains no meat products but does include dairy and nuts. To make it vegan, substitute sour cream with plant-based yogurt or coconut cream, and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed replacements. Ensure all substitutes are compatible with your dietary needs.

Course

Dessert, Brunch, Tea Time, Special Occasion

Cuisine

American, Seasonal, Comfort Food

Ingredients in Tables

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

Additional Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Apples

Begin by selecting firm, ripe apples—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are excellent choices for baking due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. Using a sharp peeler, remove the skin in neat, even strips to prevent uneven cooking. Core the apples using a corer or a small paring knife, ensuring no seeds or tough core pieces remain. Dice the apples into small, uniform pieces—about 1/2-inch cubes—to ensure even distribution and baking consistency. Alternatively, for a softer texture, grate the apples using a box grater, which will help distribute moisture more evenly throughout the batter, leading to a more tender crumb.

Step 2: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a uniform mixture, prevents clumping, and introduces air into the flour, resulting in a lighter cake. Use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter for best results. Combine thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. This step is crucial for a balanced rise and flavor in your final cake.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat them with a whisk until fully blended and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor complexity, while eggs provide structure and stability. Whisking these ingredients together ensures they emulsify properly, creating a cohesive batter.

Step 4: Incorporating Wet and Dry Mixtures

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the well, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, tough cake. The goal is to achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter with streaks of flour just incorporated.

Step 5: Folding in Apples and Walnuts

Add the prepared apples and chopped walnuts to the batter. Gently fold these in with a spatula, ensuring even distribution without deflating the batter or overworking it. The apples will release some moisture during baking, contributing to the cake’s moistness, while the walnuts provide crunch and flavor contrast. Distributing them evenly ensures each slice has a balanced amount of fruit and nuts, both visually and gastronomically.

Step 6: Preparing the Bundt Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, generously butter the entire interior of your Bundt pan, paying special attention to the crevices to prevent sticking. Dust the pan lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. Alternatively, use a non-stick spray or a baking spray with flour. Proper preparation of the pan is essential for seamless cake removal, especially with intricate Bundt designs. You can also dust the pan with a light coating of cocoa powder for a chocolate version or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Step 7: Pouring Batter & Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle the batter and eliminate air bubbles. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments. The top should be golden brown, and a slight springiness should be felt when pressing gently on the surface.

Step 8: Cooling & Unmolding

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes; this helps the structure set and reduces the risk of breaking when removing. To unmold, gently loosen the edges with a thin knife or spatula if necessary, then invert the pan onto the cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely before glazing or dusting, usually about 1 hour. Patience during this stage ensures a clean, intact presentation and prevents the cake from breaking apart.

Step 9: Decorating & Serving

Once cooled, you can enhance the presentation with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze (such as caramel or cinnamon icing), or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts, and serve either warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, elevating it to a festive dessert or a cozy teatime treat.

Preparation Tips

• Use firm, fresh apples to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Adjust the cinnamon quantity according to your preference for spiciness.
• If you prefer a more pronounced apple flavor, fold in a small amount of apple zest into the batter.
• For added moisture, consider soaking the apples in a little lemon juice or apple brandy before adding to the batter.
• Always measure flour precisely to avoid a dense cake; spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For an extra flavor boost, toast the walnuts lightly before folding into the batter.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, especially for nuts and flour.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
• For a moist cake, do not overbake; start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Add-ons

• Cream cheese glaze with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
• Caramel sauce drizzled over slices for extra richness.
• Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Crumbled streusel topping added before baking for a crunchy top layer.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries.
• Warm vanilla or cinnamon-spiced applesauce.
• Light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
• Hot beverages such as apple cider, chai latte, or coffee.

Improvements

• Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for added tartness and texture.
• Use different nuts such as pecans or almonds for varied flavor profiles.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy twist.
• Add a layer of apple compote or jam between layers of batter for a surprise filling.

Save and Store

After cooling completely, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It retains moisture for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently for best results.

FAQ

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute sour cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond-based sour cream. Use dairy-free butter or oil for greasing. Ensure that the apples and walnuts are fresh and untreated.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast, but sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala work well too. Adjust the sugar slightly if using very sweet apples.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes. Divide the batter among muffin tins lined with paper or greased. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins will be smaller but equally flavorful.

Is the cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but with proper substitutions, it can be a delightful gluten-free dessert.

Conclusion

The Apple Sour Cream Cinnamon Walnut Bundt Cake stands as a testament to the comforting power of seasonal ingredients and classic baking techniques. Its moist crumb, bursting apple flavor, and crunchy nuts make it an enduring favorite that appeals to all ages. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy weekend baking project, this cake embodies warmth, tradition, and culinary craftsmanship. The balance of spice, fruit, and nut textures creates a symphony of flavors that linger long after the first bite. Remember to savor each stage—from preparing the apples to the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen—and enjoy sharing this beautiful dessert with loved ones. For more delightful recipes and baking tips, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted platform for culinary inspiration.

References

• Nordic Ware. (n.d.). The History of the Bundt Pan. Retrieved from https://www.nordicware.com/about/bundt-history
• Williams Sonoma. (2021). Classic Apple Recipes. Retrieved from https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipes/seasonal/apple