Apple Walnut Cake Recipes

Apple walnut cake is a timeless dessert that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, nutty crunch of toasted walnuts.

This moist, tender cake offers a delightful blend of textures and warm spices, making it ideal for cozy family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a comforting everyday treat.

Its adaptable nature allows for variations that suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, this recipe provides clear, reliable steps to create a show-stopping cake that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients Checklist

Gather these essential ingredients before you start baking. Understanding their roles helps ensure a flawless cake with balanced flavor and texture.

• 2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted – brings crunch and deep, nutty flavor. Toasting enhances aroma.

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted – adds richness and moisture; salted butter balances sweetness.

• 1½ cups granulated sugar – primary sweetener, balances tartness of apples.

• ½ cup light brown sugar – adds subtle molasses notes and extra moisture.

• 2 large eggs – provide structure and help the cake rise.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enriches flavor and aroma.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the cake’s structure. Substitute with gluten-free blend if needed.

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – classic warming spice that complements apples and walnuts.

• ¼ teaspoon allspice – adds subtle complexity.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda – reacts with acidic ingredients to leaven and tenderize the cake.

• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.

• 2 cooking apples, coarsely chopped (with skin) – use firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for texture and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to make a perfectly moist and flavorful apple walnut cake.

1. Prepare and Toast Walnuts
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool before adding to batter.

2. Prep the Apples
   Wash apples thoroughly and chop into uniform chunks with skin on for added texture and nutrients. To prevent browning, toss with a tablespoon of lemon juice or soak in lightly sweetened water for 30 minutes, then drain.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and avoid lumps.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly creamy.

5. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
   Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to combine without overmixing. Overmixing can cause toughness and reduce cake tenderness.

6. Fold in Apples and Walnuts
   Carefully fold in the chopped apples and toasted walnuts, distributing them evenly to guarantee flavor bursts in every bite.

7. Bake the Cake
   Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour batter evenly and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at 40 minutes.

8. Cool and Serve
   Allow cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the cake set and prevents crumbling.

Tips for Perfect Results

Here are essential tips to help you achieve a moist, flavorful apple walnut cake every time.

• Choose firm apples: Varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold shape and add natural sweetness without turning mushy.

• Toast walnuts lightly: Brings out oils and deepens flavor, enhancing texture contrast.

• Avoid overmixing batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender crumb.

• Check oven calibration: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

• Test for doneness: Toothpick test is good, but also gently press the cake surface—it should spring back slightly.

• Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon and allspice lose potency over time, so use fresh for vibrant flavor.

• Prevent apple browning: Toss with lemon juice to retain appealing color and fresh taste.

• For gluten-free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and slightly increase moisture if needed.

• Sugar variations: Brown sugar adds moisture, but you can adjust sweetness to taste or try coconut sugar for a caramel note.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your apple walnut cake experience with these tasty serving ideas.

• Top with freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche to add light creaminess.

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic comforting combo.

• Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for extra indulgence.

• Pair with a spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement warm flavors.

• Add fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.

Final Thoughts

Apple walnut cake is a wonderfully versatile dessert, combining tender apple chunks and crunchy walnuts in a spiced, moist crumb. This recipe balances sweetness and texture while remaining approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Paying attention to ingredient quality, gentle mixing, and careful baking ensures every slice delights with flavor and aroma. With easy substitutions and creative serving ideas, this cake can be adapted for many occasions and dietary needs. Bake, share, and enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade apple walnut cake anytime.