Introduction
At Love With Recipes, we believe that baking is an art that combines flavors, textures, and aromas to create memorable culinary experiences. Today, we delve into a truly indulgent dessert that bridges breakfast and dessert worlds seamlessly — the Apple Walnut Coffee Cake. This moist, tender cake captures the essence of fresh apples complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts, all enveloped in warm spices that evoke cozy mornings and comforting afternoons. Its versatility makes it an ideal treat for breakfast tables, brunch gatherings, or an elegant dessert after a hearty meal. The addition of a sweet glaze elevates the presentation and flavor profile, making every bite a delightful symphony of taste and texture.
As you explore this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover not only the step-by-step process to create this delightful coffee cake but also tips, tricks, and variations to personalize it to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook eager to expand your repertoire, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Let’s embark on this baking journey together, ensuring each detail helps you craft a show-stopping Apple Walnut Coffee Cake that will impress family and friends alike.
Time
Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Paring or utility knife
- Cutting board
- Fine grater or zester (for apple juice or zest)
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan or similar size
- Cooking spray or parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (for glaze preparation)
- Whisk or fork (for glaze mixing)
- Toothpick or cake tester (to check doneness)
- Spatula or spoon (for spreading glaze)
- Baking
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Fruit
- Walnut
- Spice
- Glaze
- Moist cake
- Contains: Gluten (wheat), nuts (walnuts), dairy (butter), eggs
- May contain traces of: Soy (if using soy-based products), tree nuts (if processing in shared facilities)
- Use fresh, firm apples for optimal texture and flavor. Varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work well.
- Soaking apples in pure apple juice enhances their flavor and ensures moistness during baking.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to boost their aroma and flavor.
- Ensure eggs and dairy are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients to keep the cake tender and light.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a streusel topping before baking.
- Adjust the amount of apple pie spice to suit your preference—more for a spicier cake, less for a subtler flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.
- For a more intense apple flavor, add a teaspoon of apple extract or apple zest to the batter.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking process if your oven has hot spots.
- If you prefer a more caramelized glaze, cook the glaze mixture a bit longer until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Use a cake tester or toothpick to test doneness; if it comes out with moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- For a crumbly topping variation, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts over the batter before baking.
- Fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or blueberries for added freshness
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence
- Spiced whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a luxurious presentation
- Chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for texture variation
- Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream
- Fresh fruit salad with citrus and berries
- Warm spiced apple compote
- Buttered scones or croissants
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added moisture and nutty flavor.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the batter for enhanced sweetness and aroma.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a tart contrast.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the glaze for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different nuts such as pecans or hazelnuts for variety.
- Joy of Baking – Classic Apple Cake Recipes
- King Arthur Baking Company – Nut and Fruit-Based Cake Variations
Tags
Serving Size
Serves 8 generously, with each slice approximately 2 inches wide. Adjust portion sizes as desired for larger gatherings or smaller individual servings.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate. This recipe involves multiple steps, including soaking apples, preparing a batter, and crafting a glaze. Basic baking skills such as measuring, mixing, and oven handling are required.
Allergen Information
Dietary Preference
Not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets without modifications. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Course
Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine
American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Ingredient Details
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup | Provides structure; measure accurately |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | Granulated |
| Salt | 1 1/3 teaspoons | Enhances flavor |
| Rolled oats | 1/3 cup | Adds texture and hearty flavor |
| Baking powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Apple pie spice | 3/4 teaspoon | Custom blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature preferred |
| Milk | 1 cup | Whole or 2% recommended |
| Canola oil | 1/3 cup | Moisture and richness |
| Walnuts, chopped | 3/4 cup | Toast for enhanced flavor if desired |
| Sugar (for glaze) | 1/4 cup | Adjust sweetness as preferred |
| Butter (for glaze) | 1/3 cup (about 5 tablespoons) | Melted |
| Pure apple juice | For soaking apples, enough to cover | Approximately 1 cup |
| Additional optional toppings | Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh fruit | For serving |
Instructions
Preparation of Apples
Begin by preparing the apples that will be the star ingredient in this coffee cake. Select fresh, firm apples such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape well during baking. Wash the apples thoroughly under cold running water to remove any surface residues or contaminants. Using a sharp paring knife, peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added fiber and visual appeal. Core the apples carefully, removing the seeds and tough center core. Cut the apples into small, uniform pieces—about 1/2-inch cubes—to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Once cut, place the apple pieces into a small bowl and pour enough pure apple juice over them to fully submerge. This soaking process infuses the apples with additional flavor and keeps them moist during baking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for exactly one hour. This step is crucial for enhancing the apple flavor and ensuring the final cake remains tender and juicy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
While the apples soak, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and facilitates clean removal of the cake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, rolled oats, baking powder, and apple pie spice. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly mix these ingredients, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spices. This step creates a uniform dry mixture that will evenly incorporate into the wet ingredients, resulting in a tender crumb.
Mix the ingredients at low to medium speed using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer. This helps break up any clumps, especially of the sugar and oats, and ensures a consistent texture throughout the batter. Continue mixing until all dry ingredients are well combined, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Next, prepare the wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, crack open the eggs and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk until yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the milk and canola oil, whisking again to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or a mixer set to low speed to combine the ingredients gently, avoiding overmixing which can lead to a dense cake.
Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, with a slightly thick but pourable consistency. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as overstirring can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.
Adding Nuts and Apples
Once the batter is ready, fold in the chopped walnuts using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which will contribute crunch and depth of flavor. Next, gently fold in the soaked apple pieces along with any remaining juice in the soaking bowl. Be careful not to break down the apple pieces, maintaining their shape and texture. Distribute the apples uniformly throughout the batter, which will ensure each slice has a delightful burst of fruit flavor.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the surface to ensure uniform baking. Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, and the top should appear set and slightly domed.
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the middle of the cake; if it emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Remember that baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration, so start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Preparing the Glaze
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the sugar and pour in a small amount of pure apple juice. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more apple juice; for a thicker glaze, reduce the amount slightly or cook a bit longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
When the cake is baked and still hot, pour the warm glaze evenly over the surface. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it gently. To ensure the glaze penetrates the cake, poke small holes with a fork or toothpick across the surface before pouring the glaze. This allows the sweet, flavorful glaze to seep into the cake, enhancing moisture and flavor.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This resting period enables the glaze to set and the flavors to meld. Once cooled, cut into slices using a serrated knife for clean cuts. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair with a robust coffee or a spiced chai tea to complement the flavors.
For best presentation, serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for a fresh, warm experience.
Preparation Tips
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 347.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 41.1 mg |
| Sodium | 222.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugar | 22.5 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Tips and Tricks
Add-ons
Side Dishes
Improvements
Save and Store
Proper storage ensures your Apple Walnut Coffee Cake remains fresh and delicious. Cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat leftovers, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat before serving.
FAQ
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, quinces, or even berries, but baking times and moisture content will vary. Apples provide a firm texture and natural sweetness that complements the spices and nuts well.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the butter in the glaze with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure the apples are soaked in fruit juice or water instead of apple juice if the juice contains additives.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Verify that all other ingredients, especially baking powder and oats, are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the cake a day ahead. Bake and cool it completely, then store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Reheat slightly before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
What variations can I try?
Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the batter for extra spice. Incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits for added sweetness. Use different nuts or even chopped dried apples for a different texture.
Conclusion
This Apple Walnut Coffee Cake from Love With Recipes exemplifies the warmth and comfort of home baking. Its moist crumb, fragrant spices, and crunchy walnuts make it a standout treat suitable for any occasion. The process, from soaking the apples to glazing the finished cake, ensures a depth of flavor and a delightful eating experience. Whether you serve it as a breakfast bread, dessert, or afternoon snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Remember, small adjustments in spices, nuts, or toppings can customize the cake to match your tastes. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll craft a beautiful, delicious coffee cake that will impress everyone at your table.