ππ° Apple Walnut Pound Cake π°
Apple Walnut Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of fresh apples and crunchy walnuts in a moist, dense pound cake. This scrumptious treat is perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting, sweet, and nutty dessert.
π History:
The history of pound cake dates back to Europe in the 18th century. The original pound cake was made with a pound each of four basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, which is how it got its name. Over time, variations of pound cake emerged, including the addition of fruits and nuts. The incorporation of apples and walnuts into pound cake likely evolved as a way to make this classic dessert even more flavorful and seasonal.
π§ Components:
To make a delicious Apple Walnut Pound Cake, you’ll need the following components:
- Apples: You’ll need fresh apples, typically peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a delightful nutty crunch to the cake.
- Butter: Unsalted butter provides moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the cake.
- Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the main dry ingredient.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall taste.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
π©βπ³ Steps to Prepare Apple Walnut Pound Cake:
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Prepare Apples and Walnuts: Peel, core, and dice the apples. Chop the walnuts into small pieces. Toss them together and set aside.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a loaf pan.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
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Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts into the batter.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness, or simply enjoy it as is.
β° Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare and bake an Apple Walnut Pound Cake is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including preparation and baking time. However, cooling time may vary.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Walnut Pound Cake! ππ°π°
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Walnut Pound Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 5g
Health Information:
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Calories: Apple Walnut Pound Cake is moderately high in calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Total Fat: It contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from butter and walnuts. While fat is essential for flavor and texture, be mindful of your overall fat intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
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Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is quite high, mainly due to the butter. Excessive saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health issues, so it’s advisable to consume such desserts in moderation.
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Cholesterol: The cake contains cholesterol from eggs and butter. If you are watching your cholesterol intake, consider limiting your portion size.
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Sodium: The sodium content is relatively moderate. It’s essential to be cautious of your overall sodium intake, especially if you have hypertension or other sodium-related health concerns.
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Total Carbohydrates: The majority of the carbohydrates come from sugar and flour. Be aware of your overall carbohydrate intake, particularly if you are monitoring blood sugar levels.
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Dietary Fiber: While the cake contains some dietary fiber from the apples, it’s not a significant source. Consider incorporating more high-fiber foods into your diet to support digestive health.
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Sugars: Apple Walnut Pound Cake is relatively high in sugars, primarily from added sugar and the natural sugars in apples. Limiting added sugars in your diet is recommended for overall health.
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Protein: The cake provides a small amount of protein, mainly from eggs and walnuts. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
In summary, Apple Walnut Pound Cake is a delicious dessert but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie, fat, saturated fat, and sugar content. It’s a treat best suited for occasional indulgence rather than regular consumption, especially if you are mindful of your overall health and nutrition.