Description
This Homemade Apple Cake with Cinnamon and Walnuts is a moist and tender dessert that combines sweet-tart apples with warm cinnamon spice and crunchy toasted walnuts. Perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or year-round enjoyment, this simple yet flavorful cake is easy to prepare and offers delightful texture contrasts. Great for beginners and easily adaptable to dietary preferences, it’s a comforting treat that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 cups grated firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Sugars
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Nuts
- 1 cup toasted walnuts (reserve a small amount for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely grate the apples to incorporate natural moisture and sweetness evenly into the batter, ensuring a tender cake texture.
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, enhancing their flavor and crunchiness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to distribute leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Create the Batter: Gently fold the grated apples into the wet mixture. Then gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid toughening the cake.
- Add Walnuts and Bake: Fold in most toasted walnuts, reserving some for topping. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan, sprinkle remaining walnuts on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best moisture and flavor.
- Don’t skip toasting the walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Grate the apples finely to avoid sogginess and distribute moisture evenly.
- Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon, walnuts, homemade dessert, moist cake, toasted nuts, fall dessert, gluten-free apple cake, easy baking, fruit cake