Apple Walnut Cake Recipe

The delicious Apple Walnut Cake, loaded with apple chunks and walnuts, is perfect for fall. It has a warm, comforting flavor with a hint of spice. This easy-to-make cake can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

You can find various variations, from cream cheese frosting to powdered sugar dusting, to suit your preference. Whether you like frosting or prefer a simpler cake, there’s an apple walnut cake recipe for you.

Key Apple Walnut Cake Ingredients & Why

Apples

Apples bring natural sweetness, moisture, and texture to apple walnut cake, with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for tartness and crispness.

Walnuts

Walnuts, a classic apple pairing, provide a nutty crunch while offering healthy fats and protein.

Flour

Flour lends structure and promotes rising, typically all-purpose flour in apple walnut cake recipes.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, a leavening agent, elevates the cake, making it fluffy.
Cinnamon, a warm spice, complements apples, infusing delightful flavor.

Eggs

Eggs contribute structure and moisture.

Oil

Oil adds moisture and tenderness; often, Canola oil is favored for its neutral taste.

Sugar

Sugar sweetens and browns the cake, with coconut sugar and maple syrup as healthier options.

Salt

Salt elevates flavor and balances sweetness.

How Do You Make The Best Apple Walnut Cake?

• Preheat to 350ºF and coat a 9×13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, blend eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla for a clear and concise mixture.
• Use a different bowl to sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together.
• Mix the flour into the eggs until seamless.
• Fold apples and nuts gently for a clear and harmonious blend.
• Achieve uniform batter distribution in a 9×13 pan.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes for the best results.
• Dust cooled cake with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
• Maintain freshness: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, then shift to the fridge or freezer.

Pro Tips For Making Apple Walnut Cake Recipe

• Opt for fresh ingredients: Use fresh apples and walnuts for the best taste and texture.
• Thoroughly mix the batter: The apple walnut cake batter is typically thick, so ensure thorough mixing for perfect ingredient integration.
• Avoid overmixing: While proper mixing is crucial, take care not to overdo it, as it can result in a tough, dry cake.
• Choose the right pan: Opt for a 9×13 inch baking pan for optimal results; using a different size may require adjusting baking time and temperature.
• Enhance with spices: Elevate the cake’s flavor and aroma by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices.
• Opt for oil over butter: Many apple walnut cake recipes favor oil over butter to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Allow to cool: Prior to slicing and serving, ensure the cake cools completely; this promotes stability and prevents crumbling.
• Finish with a glaze: Elevate your cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a delightful sweetness.

How to Store Apple Walnut Cake

1. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Extend storage in the fridge or freezer if needed.
3. For prolonged freezer storage, tightly wrap the cake in plastic or aluminum foil.

Can You Freeze Apple Walnut Cake?

1. Cool the cake thoroughly.
2. Slice or keep it whole.
3. Wrap tightly in plastic and then in foil.
4. Label with date and contents.
5. Freeze the cake.