Apple Walnut Cake: A Moist and Crunchy Delight
This delightful Apple Walnut Cake, celebrated for its moist texture complemented by the crunchy goodness of walnuts, makes for an ideal breakfast or brunch treat. A recipe that was graciously passed on to me by my sister, who I believe discovered it in the pages of Bon Appétit magazine, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served with a steaming cup of coffee or as a sweet end to a leisurely brunch, its comforting flavors and satisfying texture are sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Tart apples (peeled and diced) | 4-5 medium |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 593 |
| Total Fat | 26.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 52.9 mg |
| Sodium | 467.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 85 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g |
| Sugars | 57.6 g |
| Protein | 6.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and develop that delightful golden crust.
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Prepare the Bundt Pan: Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat every nook and cranny to prevent sticking. After greasing, dust the interior with flour to create a non-stick surface for the cake.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend these ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture.
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Incorporate Walnuts: Gently stir in the chopped walnuts, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the batter and add a lovely crunch to your cake.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This step not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour, ensuring a lighter texture in the final cake.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable and will yield a more tender cake.
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Add Apples: Fold in the diced tart apples, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The tartness of the apples complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
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Transfer to Pan: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. This helps in achieving a lovely, even shape as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
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Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about ten minutes. This resting period is crucial as it helps the cake to firm up, making it easier to remove without breaking.
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Remove from Pan: After ten minutes, carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the cake. If it doesn’t come out easily, gently tap the pan on the counter to help loosen it.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This Apple Walnut Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
With its inviting flavors and delightful texture, this Apple Walnut Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, bringing joy to any breakfast or brunch table. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch, making it a true delight for all who indulge. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this recipe brings to your home!
