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Apple Walnut Cake

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A moist, spiced cake packed with fresh apple chunks and crunchy walnuts, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This homestyle cake captures the essence of fall but is delicious year-round.

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

 

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easier removal.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them with the lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Frost and Garnish: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts for garnish if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

 

Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy touch, pair with hot apple cider or a cup of coffee. This cake also makes an excellent accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use a mix of apple varieties – tart Granny Smith apples provide nice contrast to the sweet cake.
  • Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant.
  • The cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
  • For a more rustic variation, add 1/2 cup of golden raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which can result in a tough cake.
  • Using apples that are too soft or mealy, which can make the cake soggy.
  • Frosting the cake before it’s completely cool, causing the frosting to melt.
  • Cutting the apples too large, which can make the cake difficult to slice neatly.

Storage Instructions:

Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor, bring to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving. Unfrosted cake can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This cake also freezes well – wrap unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

Enjoy your Apple Walnut Cake!

Find it online: https://bakesbliss.com/apple-walnut-cake/