Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This apple walnut cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, moist and tender. It's a fantastic choice for a cozy night in, a weekend baking project, or even a special occasion. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (with some modifications), or simply delicious dishes for homemade cooking. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 cup walnut pieces, toasted
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your batter.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Bringing it Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and toasted walnuts. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking and allows it to cool evenly.
Tips for the Best Apple Walnut Cake:
- Toasting the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Glaze (Optional): A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice can add extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Walnut Cake: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter along with the apples and walnuts for a festive twist.
- Apple Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled cake with a layer of creamy cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Fat: Around 18-22g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Around 45-50g
This recipe offers a fantastic quick dinner idea or a simple yet delicious dessert. Enjoy this easy and satisfying apple walnut cake! It's a great addition to your collection of best recipes.