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Homemade Apple Cake with Cinnamon and Walnuts

Homemade Apple Cake with Cinnamon and Walnuts


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 65-70 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)

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

  1. 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.
  2. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, enhancing their flavor and crunchiness.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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