Apple Cake with Toasted Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe

ByHarry Bern
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Introduction

This apple cake is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for any season. With warm spices, tender apples, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and sure to please.

A round apple and walnut cake is shown on a wire cooling rack with six slices cut, revealing a light brown, soft textured inside with pieces of apple and walnuts visible throughout. The top is golden brown with walnut halves scattered evenly, adding a crunchy texture. To the upper left, there is a white plate with two cake slices, one partially eaten, and a metal fork resting on the plate. Above the cake, a small white bowl holds more walnut pieces. A knife with a light yellow handle lies to the right on a white marbled surface, next to a blue-striped cloth. Two red apples sit at the bottom left of the scene. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 small apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter or coat a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and whiskey and espresso powder if using. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Fold in the apples and 1/4 cup of the chopped walnuts using a rubber spatula.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula, making sure the apples are evenly distributed to the edges. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts over the cake.
  6. Step 6: Bake until puffed and golden, and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. You may see slight moisture on the tester from the apples. Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Run a thin knife around the cake edges and carefully invert onto a cooling rack. Flip it again if you prefer the puffy side facing up.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
  • Substitute walnuts with pecans or skip nuts for a nut-free version.
  • Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apples can help prevent browning and add brightness.
  • For extra moisture, fold in 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream into the batter.

Storage

Store the apple cake wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven if desired.

How to Serve

A round, golden-brown apple cake in a dark round pan, with a slightly bumpy top full of small apple chunks and scattered walnut pieces, giving a rough textured look. The cake's surface is warm brown, showing some darker spots where it is baked crispier. Next to the pan, there is a small white plate with larger walnut pieces and two whole red apples placed below the pan. A knife with a cream-colored handle lies on the white marbled surface next to the pan, along with a gray cloth with thin blue stripes partially under the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, feel free to use any apple variety you like. Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well as they hold their shape during baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

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Apple Cake with Toasted Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 45 to 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
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Description

This classic Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender apple pieces and a warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Enhanced with toasted walnuts for crunch and a hint of optional whiskey and espresso, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Baked to a golden perfection, this easy-to-make cake delivers comforting autumn flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces) (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter or coat a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and if using, the whiskey and instant espresso powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.
  3. Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Fold in apples and nuts: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped apples and 1/4 cup of the toasted walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Transfer to pan and top: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top gently, making sure the apples are evenly spread to the edges. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts evenly over the top of the batter.
  6. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with minimal moisture from the apples.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen it, then carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack. If desired, invert the cake again so the puffy side faces up. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  8. Storage: Store the cake wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to two days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For added flavor, the optional whiskey and instant espresso powder enhance the cake’s depth but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Peeling and coring the apples is important for smooth texture; using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness well.
  • Ensure apples are chopped evenly (1/4 to 1/2 inch) for consistent baking.
  • Toasting walnuts brings out a richer nutty flavor; do not skip this step if possible.
  • Use parchment paper on the pan bottom to prevent sticking and help with easy removal.
  • Letting the cake cool properly before removal avoids breakage.
  • This cake is best enjoyed within two days for optimal moisture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cake, autumn dessert, walnut apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, easy baked apple dessert

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