Here’s a detailed recipe for a Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cake — a moist, spiced cake loaded with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for fall baking, holidays, or any time you want a cozy, homemade dessert.
🍏 Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cake Recipe
📌 Servings: 12
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
🍎 For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
🍯 Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Dash of vanilla
🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a Bundt pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat:
- Oil
- Applesauce
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
🔁 Don’t overmix — the batter should be thick but spreadable.
5. Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
6. Add Glaze (Optional)
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Delicious with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee or cider.
❓FAQs – Cinnamon Apple Walnut Cake
🔹 What are the best apples for this cake?
Use firm, tart apples like:
- Granny Smith – best for holding shape and adding tang.
- Honeycrisp or Fuji – for sweetness and juiciness.
🔹 Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. The flavor deepens the next day.
🔹 Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze slices or the entire cake (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🔹 Can I make it without nuts?
Absolutely — just omit the walnuts or replace them with raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips for variation.
🔹 Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may want to add an extra egg or tablespoon of applesauce for moisture.
Would you like a Bundt version, a muffin adaptation, or a lower sugar/gluten-free option?