French Vanilla Apple Cake 🍏🍰
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this French Vanilla Apple Cake, a scrumptious dessert that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Perfect for large groups, this cake is a beautiful blend of sweet apple and warm cinnamon, complemented by the nutty crunch of walnuts. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients 🌟
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup walnut pieces
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 walnut halves for decoration
- 1 box of French vanilla cake mix
- 1 can of apple pie filling
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- Store-bought vanilla frosting
Nutritional Information 📊
- Calories: 562.8 kcal
- Fat Content: 23.8 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 46.1 mg
- Sodium Content: 396 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 84.8 g
- Fiber Content: 1.1 g
- Sugar Content: 63 g
- Protein Content: 3.6 g
Equipment Needed 🔧
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling racks
- Baking sheet
- Toothpick
Instructions 📝
Preparation (15 minutes)
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release of the cake layers.
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Prepare Apple Slices: From your can of apple pie filling, remove 3/4 cup of apple slices and set them aside for later use.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the French vanilla cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and the remaining apple pie filling. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for an additional 2 minutes until smooth.
Baking (45 minutes)
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Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
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Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Finishing Touches
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Toast Walnuts: While the cakes are cooling, spread the walnut pieces on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 6 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool.
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Prepare Frosting: Stir 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the store-bought vanilla frosting to give it a warm, spicy flavor.
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Assemble Cake:
- Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread 3/4 cup of the cinnamon-vanilla frosting evenly over the top.
- Arrange the reserved apple slices from the pie filling on top of the frosting, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the apple slices.
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Frost Cake: Spread the remaining cinnamon-vanilla frosting over the top and sides of the assembled cake.
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Decorate: Press the toasted walnut pieces around the bottom edge of the cake, where you left the 1-inch border. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each slice.
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Optional Garnish: If desired, toss the apple slices you prepared earlier with lemon juice to prevent browning, then pat them dry and arrange them decoratively on top of the cake along with the walnut halves.
Serving Suggestions 🎂
This French Vanilla Apple Cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of creamy frosting, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts makes this cake a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Tricks 💡
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Custom Frosting: If you have a bit more time, consider making your own homemade vanilla frosting to elevate the cake even further.
- Apple Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples for a unique twist. Granny Smith apples add a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples provide extra sweetness.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful French Vanilla Apple Cake! It’s a delicious way to celebrate any special moment with loved ones. 🍏🍰🎉