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Apple Walnut Cake

This apple walnut cake is a moist, tender cake with chunks of baked apples that release their juices into the crumb, creating pockets of sweetness. Toasted walnuts provide a crunchy contrast, while cinnamon and spices add warmth and aroma. The final appearance is a golden-brown loaf with a rustic, inviting texture, dotted with apple pieces and walnut pieces throughout.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup diced apples peeled and cored, about 2 medium apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Loaf pan or cake tin
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan or cake tin well.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This helps the spices distribute throughout the batter for balanced flavor.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale, about 1-2 minutes. This incorporates air and starts building the batter’s structure.
  4. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until just combined, creating a fragrant, glossy base.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the batter tender.
  6. Gently fold in the diced apples and toasted walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Notice how the batter becomes studded with apple and nut pieces.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the structure and makes slicing easier.
  10. Slice the cake once cooled, revealing tender chunks of apple and crunchy walnuts embedded throughout the moist crumb.
  11. Serve slices of the apple walnut cake at room temperature, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, toast the walnuts beforehand. You can also substitute with other nuts or add a pinch more cinnamon for a stronger spice profile.