Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake

Name: Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 2 tablespoons brown sugar

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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This Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Bursting with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a warm cinnamon aroma, it’s perfect for those moments when you crave something comforting and delicious.

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake

All-purpose flour forms the base of our cake, providing structure and lightness. Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its rise, ensuring a soft and airy texture. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. The star of the show, ground cinnamon, infuses warmth and spice. Unsalted butter adds richness, while granulated sugar sweetens the cake. Eggs help bind everything together, and a splash of vanilla extract adds depth of flavor. Sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender. Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and juiciness, and walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch. Finally, a sprinkle of brown sugar on top creates a delightful crust.

Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
To make peeling apples easier, use a vegetable peeler.
Toast the walnuts beforehand for an added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy a slice with a warm cup of chai tea or cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different nuts?: Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work well if you prefer.
What type of apples should I use?: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold up wonderfully in baking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?: Yes, it keeps well for a couple of days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it's nice and hot by the time your cake is ready to bake. Grab your trusty 9-inch round cake pan and give it a good greasing. This will prevent your cake from sticking and make for an easy release later.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents any clumps of baking powder from sneaking into your cake.

Now, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. You’re looking for a pale and creamy mixture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly into the batter. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the batter. You want to mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make your cake dense.

Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. Be careful not to mash the apples; you want those lovely chunks to stud your cake.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar for a sweet, caramelized crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
A delightful balance of sweetness and spice that feels like fall in every bite.
Moist and tender cake with a lovely crunch from the walnuts.
Versatile enough for dessert, breakfast, or a midday snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups apples, peeled and diced

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined.

7. Fold in the apples and walnuts.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the top with brown sugar.

9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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