This Apple, Cinnamon, and Walnut Cake is a cozy, comforting dessert packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts. Moist and easy to make, this cake fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma as it bakes. Perfect for fall, this cake is sure to become a favorite whether you serve it as a simple afternoon treat or a special dessert for gatherings.
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a richer taste)
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (plus extra for topping)
For the Topping (optional):
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the Apples and Walnuts:
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Optional Topping: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter for a deliciously crunchy, spiced topping.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, you can slice and serve as is or dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
For more flavor, swap some apples for pears or add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
You can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for an indulgent finish.
Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/apple-cinnamon-and-walnut-cake/