Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of pure heaven - a moist, spiced apple cake that's bursting with warm cinnamon notes, crunchy walnuts, and dripping with decadent salted caramel. This isn't just a cake; it's a culinary experience that will transport you to cozy autumn afternoons, filled with comfort and pure deliciousness. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this Apple Walnut Cake is about to become your new obsession that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside the dry ingredient mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the grated apples into the wet mixture using a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 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.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Optional: Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Grate apples just before mixing to prevent browning and excess moisture.
- Room temperature ingredients are key - ensure butter, eggs, and other dairy are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding caramel sauce to prevent it from becoming runny.
- For extra richness, warm the salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for a gorgeous, glossy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
