This Apple Nut Cake recipe is a delightful, moist dessert that combines the tartness of green apples with the crunch of walnuts or pecans, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cake. It’s simple to make and the perfect way to showcase the fresh flavors of apples, especially in the fall when they’re in season. Here’s a full breakdown of the recipe to guide you through each step and ensure you get the best result!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups green apples (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or an equivalent-sized round pan if you prefer). This helps the cake come out easily and prevents sticking. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, or a little longer by hand using a whisk or spoon. Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures your cake has a light texture. - Add Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly throughout the batter, preventing clumps in the final cake. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. - Fold in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples will release a bit of moisture, which helps keep the cake moist and tender. If you prefer, you can lightly coat the apples and nuts with a tablespoon of flour before folding them in. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking. - Transfer to Baking Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. - Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). You might need to adjust the time slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. - Cool and Serve:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast!
Why This Apple Nut Cake Is So Great:
- Moist and Tender: The combination of butter, milk, and fresh apples makes for a soft, moist cake. The apples also add a nice burst of freshness and flavor.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few steps and basic ingredients, this cake is easy to prepare, even if you’re short on time.
- Nuts Add Crunch: The addition of walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and juicy apples.
- Versatile: This cake is great on its own, but you can also drizzle it with a glaze or top it with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Nut Cake:
- Apple Selection:
Green apples like Granny Smith are perfect for this recipe because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cake. However, you can use any apple you have on hand, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, depending on how sweet or tart you want the cake to be. - Evenly Mix Dry Ingredients:
It’s important to mix the dry ingredients well before adding them to the wet ingredients. This helps the baking powder distribute evenly, ensuring the cake rises uniformly. - Optional Add-Ins:
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the apples and add a warm, cozy note to the cake. - Apple Sizing:
Make sure to dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces so that they bake evenly in the cake. If the pieces are too large, they may not soften enough during baking, leading to a chewier texture.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Absolutely! This cake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.
Q: Can I use a different nut?
A: Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor. You could also leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: Yes! If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can substitute the two eggs with an egg replacer like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder (about 1/4 cup for each egg).
This Apple Nut Cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday desserts, or even just an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and tender cake is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings! Enjoy! 🍏🎂