Best Apple Cake With Raisins & Walnuts

There’s something truly special about a homemade apple cake, especially one that combines the sweet-tartness of apples with the crunch of walnuts and the chewiness of raisins. This delightful dessert brings together warm spices and comforting flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special day, or just wanting to indulge in a cozy treat, this apple cake will not disappoint. It’s moist, flavorful, and simply irresistible!

Gather Your Apple Cake Ingredients

To make this delightful apple cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Butter for greasing pan
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pan
1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups peeled, cored, and thickly sliced tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts
1 cup (150g) raisins
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional for serving)

How to Make Apple Cake With Raisins & Walnuts

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious apple cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar for about 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the vanilla extract, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve This Delicious Cake

Serving this apple cake is a delight! Here are some great suggestions:

Let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing. This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
For a real treat, serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the spiced apple cake!
Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some extra chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and presentation.

Expert Tips for Making Apple Cake

Here are a few tips to make your apple cake even better:

Choose the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji work best for this recipe. Their firmness holds up well during baking and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Add your twist: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite nuts or dried fruits in place of walnuts and raisins. Pecans or dried cranberries can also give a fantastic flavor.
Don’t skip the greasing: Properly greasing and flouring the pan is crucial to ensure the cake slides out easily without any damage!

Apple Cake FAQs

Can I make this apple cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake keeps well at room temperature for a couple of days and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake after it has cooled completely. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

What type of apples are best for baking?

For baking, opt for firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They maintain their shape and provide a sweet-tart flavor that balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly.

There you have it! This amazing apple cake with raisins and walnuts is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making it and savoring every bite!