Grandma’s Apple Nut Cake: A Cherished Family Favorite 🍏🍰
Description:
This delightful Apple Nut Cake has a special place in our hearts—it’s my husband’s all-time favorite, lovingly passed down from his mother many years ago. Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe, but don’t worry, I kept the essence of it intact. This cake is so delicious that it doesn’t even need frosting, although a thin, creamy icing could certainly elevate it if you’re in the mood for something extra special. I once misplaced the recipe and thought I’d lost it forever, but thanks to a fortunate find, this cake has made a glorious comeback in our home. We’ve enjoyed it so much that it’s vanished before it could cool completely, thanks to our five daughters who can’t resist its sweet, nutty goodness. I’m sharing this recipe with you to ensure it never gets lost again. It’s truly a keeper!
Recipe Category:
Dessert
Keywords:
Lunch/Snacks, Apple, Fruit, For Large Groups, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pan: Begin by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure that your cake releases easily once baked and comes out with a beautiful, golden crust.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to preheat while you prepare your ingredients. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Sifting helps to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly and eliminates any lumps, resulting in a smoother batter.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
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Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. This step ensures that the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving every bite a delicious burst of flavor and texture.
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Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that it reaches the edges of the pan. The batter will be quite thick, but this is normal.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. The aroma of apples and walnuts will fill your kitchen as it cools. Once it’s set, cut it into squares and serve. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also drizzle a thin, creamy icing over the top for a touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 16 servings):
- Calories: 262.2
- Fat: 11.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9 g
- Cholesterol: 34.1 mg
- Sodium: 262.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.8 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugar: 22.7 g
- Protein: 3.6 g
Serving Suggestions:
This Apple Nut Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual family gathering or need a sweet treat for a larger group. Serve it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy it as a comforting dessert after dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re looking to add a little extra indulgence.
Enjoy baking this timeless recipe that brings joy to every bite! 🍎🎂
