Apple Walnut Cake Recipe
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: Varies (depends on serving size)
Keywords: Apple, Fruit, Oven, < 4 Hours
Introduction
This delightful Apple Walnut Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, with a recipe that is as simple as it is delicious. Found by my wife in Country Magazine, this cake is a wonderful balance of moist, flavorful cake complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the tartness of fresh apples. The best part? The recipe requires minimal changes to its original form, making it easy to follow and almost impossible to resist. While this cake stands wonderfully on its own, it can also be dressed up with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, elevating its richness to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, this Apple Walnut Cake is sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Canola Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Flour (all-purpose) | 2 cups |
| Baking Soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Tart Apples | 2 large, peeled, cored, and chopped |
| Walnuts | 1 cup, chopped |
For the Frosting (Optional)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz (1 package) |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup (adjust as needed) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1079.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 54.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 167.7 mg |
| Sodium | 720.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 138.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 101.5 g |
| Protein | 13.5 g |
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, canola oil, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be well combined, smooth, and a bit fluffy. -
Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will help the cake rise uniformly. -
Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth. -
Add Apples and Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped tart apples and walnuts. These ingredients will add texture, flavor, and a delightful crunch to the cake. -
Bake:
Pour the batter into a greased 9” x 13” x 2” baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. -
Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, the cake will firm up slightly, making it easier to frost (if desired).
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
-
Cream Together Ingredients:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the ingredients together until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. -
Adjust Consistency:
If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk (start with 1 tablespoon) until you achieve the desired spreading consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk—just enough to make the frosting easy to spread. -
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The smooth, creamy frosting contrasts perfectly with the moist and flavorful cake beneath it.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Walnut Cake is already delicious on its own, but if you’ve opted to add frosting, it becomes a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a mid-afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also garnish the top with extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success
- Choose Tart Apples: The tartness of the apples adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Granny Smith apples work particularly well for this recipe, but any variety with a slightly tart flavor will do.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smooth batter and frosting.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage. If you’ve frosted the cake, it will last a bit longer in the fridge.
- Freezing: The cake freezes well! If you’d like to make it ahead of time, wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
This Apple Walnut Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Its tender texture, warm spices, and sweet, nutty flavor are irresistible whether you enjoy it plain or with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect fall treat or a year-round dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just because, this cake is sure to impress!
