Apple Walnut Cake
There’s something truly delightful about the combination of sweet, juicy apples and crunchy walnuts baked into a soft, moist cake. This Apple Walnut Cake is perfect for cozy afternoons, gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a treat. Each bite offers a warm embrace of cinnamon and the richness of nuts, making it a wonderful dessert or snack any time of the year. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time!
What Goes into This Apple Walnut Cake
To create this delicious dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 medium apples (about 450g/1 lb), peeled, cored, and chopped into medium-sized chunks
- 100g (3.5 oz/1 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml/1 fl oz)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (25g/0.9 oz)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 150g (5.3 oz/¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 8g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120ml (½ cup/4 fl oz) sunflower oil
- 5 tablespoons natural yogurt (75ml/2.5 fl oz)
- 200g (7 oz/1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
- 12g (1 tablespoon) baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Apple Walnut Cake Recipe
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Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling and coring the apples, then cut them into medium-sized chunks. Toss these apple pieces with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon, allowing them to sit aside and soften.
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Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the sunflower oil and yogurt, whisking them together until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder together and slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to come together.
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Combine with Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the prepared apple chunks and chopped walnuts to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 24cm (9-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finish.
The Best Way to Serve It
This Apple Walnut Cake is fantastic served warm or at room temperature. Consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. You can also serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack! If you’re feeling creative, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a sweet twist.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Walnut Cake
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap out apples for pears or even mix in dried fruits like raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Nut Choices: While walnuts are fantastic, you could also use pecans or almonds if you prefer.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced flavor profile.
Apple Walnut Cake FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully. Just ensure they are firm and suitable for baking.
How do I store leftover cake?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this Apple Walnut Cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
There’s nothing quite like homemade treats, and this Apple Walnut Cake is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab those apples and walnuts, and let’s get baking! Enjoy every delicious slice!