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    Home » Desserts » Cakes » Apple Walnut Cake

    Apple Walnut Cake

    Last updated on February 28, 2020. Originally posted on June 23, 2022 By Elaine 68 Comments

    935 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Apple Walnut Cake for Pinterest 3
    Apple Walnut Cake for Pinterest 2
    Apple Walnut Cake for Pinterest

    This delicious apple walnut cake recipe is a family favorite for a reason. Loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this moist and flavorful cake is the perfect easy dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

    Three pieces of apple cake in a tower with a coffee cup in the back

    This cake is a family favorite and I’ve been eating it for as long as I remember. What I love most about this apple cake is how moist it is.

    I also love that the flavors are perfectly balanced and tastes like an Autumn day!

    Even though I’m a chocolate fiend, when I was growing up, I would ask for this cake just about as much as I’d ask for my grandmother’s chocolate cake.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

    Helpful tips

    • We’ve always used macintosh apples in this cake, but cortland works just as well.
    • Even though you will be peeling the apples, still wash them to remove any residual pesticides. Here’s how: I use this cloth. It has a coarse side and a smooth side. Run water over the apple and rub the skin with the coarse side of the cloth, rinse well with cold water. On a side note, if I want to shine my apples, I use the smooth side after washing them.
    • I use raw cane sugar in this recipe but light brown sugar or white sugar works just as well.
    • We have never put frosting this cake as I don’t believe it needs it, but if you like to drizzle a glaze on it, I have a great recipe here.
    • My go to flour is organic sprouted spelt flour, but I’ve also used all purpose flour, and whole wheat flours – and they all work well.
    • Don’t like walnuts? Use whatever baking nuts you prefer.
    • As all ovens are different – check the cake with a cake tester after 45 minutes. My oven takes 50 minutes.
    • This cake is so moist that you will not remove it from the pan, but cut and serve each piece out of it.
    • I usually store this cake on the counter, still in the pan with plastic wrap on it. But if it is hot outside, I remove each piece, place in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

    How to make apple walnut cake

    Pre-step

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and liberally grease and flour a 9 x 9 pan. Also get 2 mixing bowls – one of them should be a large bowl.

    Step one

    Gather the ingredients – macintosh apples, sugar and flour.

    apples, sugar and flour on a table

    Step two

    Cut apples in chunks and add to the large bowl. Add sugar and mix with a spatula or large spoon until apples are covered.

    Apples in a bowl covered with sugar with more ingredients in the back

    Step three

    Gather the eggs, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.

    Eggs, cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla on the table

    Step four

    In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until incorporated.

    Step five

    Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to the apple mixture. Top it off with the wet ingredients and mix with your spatula.

    Step six

    Pour and transfer the apple batter into the greased and floured pan.

    The batter for the apple cake in the pan

    Step seven

    Bake for 45 – 50 minutes. It should brown somewhat and when you stick a cake tester in, it should come out clean.

    A square pan of apple cake with a few oven mitts in the background

    Cut in the apple walnut cake in squares and get ready to plate a piece.

    Piece of cake held over a white plate with coffee and the rest of the cake in back

    Time to eat at a forkful.

    A fork with cake on it held over the piece of cake on a white plate

    Yum.

    You can see how moist the apple cake is in this next photo.

    Three pieces of apple cake in a tower with a coffee cup in the back

    I hope you enjoyed this apple walnut cake recipe!

    Other popular cake recipes

    • Whoopie Pie
    • Chocolate Pistachio
    • Clara’s cake

    And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

    Three pieces of apple cake on a white plate with crumbs on it

    Apple Walnut Cake

    This delicious apple walnut cake recipe is a family favorite for a reason. Loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this moist and flavorful cake is the perfect easy dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
    4.87 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Dessert
    Keyword: apple cake, apple walnut cake
    Prep Time: 7 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 42 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 246kcal
    Author: Elaine Benoit

    Ingredients

    • 4 macintosh apples (peeled, cored and sliced into smallish chunks)
    • 1.5 cups sugar
    • 2 egg
    • ½ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1.5 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ cup chopped walnuts

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F and liberally grease and flour a 9 x 9 pan.
    • In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar and cinnamon, combine and set aside.
      4 macintosh apples, 1.5 cups sugar
    • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined.
      2 egg, ½ cup olive oil, 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • In the mixing bowl with the apples and sugar, fold in the dry ingredients and chopped walnuts. Stir until just combined.
      2 cups flour, 1.5 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup chopped walnuts
    • Transfer the apple batter to the pan and bake 50 minutes or until done. The cake tester should come out clean.
    • Plate
    • Eat
    • Enjoy

    Equipment

    9 x 9 pan
    glass bowl
    rubber spatula
    whisk
    See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    Helpful tips
    • We’ve always used macintosh apples in this cake, but cortland works just as well.
    • Even though you will be peeling the apples, still wash them to remove any residual pesticides. Here’s how: I use this cloth. It has a coarse side and a smooth side. Run water over the apple and rub the skin with the coarse side of the cloth, rinse well with cold water. On a side note, if I want to shine my apples, I use the smooth side after washing them.
    • I use raw cane sugar in this recipe but light brown sugar or white sugar works just as well.
    • We have never put frosting this cake as I don’t believe it needs it, but if you like to drizzle a glaze on it, I have a great recipe here.
    • My go to flour is organic sprouted spelt flour, but I’ve also used all purpose flour, and whole wheat flours – and they all work well.
    • Don’t like walnuts? Use whatever baking nuts you prefer.
    • As all ovens are different – check the cake with a cake tester after 45 minutes. My oven takes 50 minutes.
    • This cake is so moist that you will not remove it from the pan, but cut and serve each piece out of it.
    • I usually store this cake on the counter and still in the pan with plastic wrap on it. But if it is hot outside, I remove each piece, place in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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    935 shares

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  if you click the link and buy. You can read my disclosure here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Veena Azmanov

      February 23, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      I love apple cakes and I love walnuts so this makes a perfect cake for me.. I’d eat a big batch myself. Drizzled with Caramel too!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 23, 2017 at 3:56 pm

        Thanks Veena and drizzled with caramel? YUM.

        Reply
    2. Fiona Saluk

      February 23, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      I completely am on board with you about being sad when chocolate dessert isn’t an option, it’s just so perfect! This apple cake however looks really delicious and I think I may try to make it with a mixture of japanese white sweet potatoes and apples…thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 23, 2017 at 4:41 pm

        Fiona! Thank you. That sounds lovely with the white sweet potato!

        Reply
    3. Brandi Crawford

      February 23, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      Your photos tell a yummy story! This looks amazing and I love to hear that it’s moist.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 23, 2017 at 5:32 pm

        Thank you Brandi!

        Reply
    4. Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival

      February 23, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      Yum, Elaine! I’m crazy about apple cakes and this one sounds great! It so nice Christopher helps you grease the pans!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 23, 2017 at 5:31 pm

        Haha. Thanks Beth. Yes, Christopher is a gem!

        Reply
    5. Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health

      February 24, 2017 at 7:23 am

      Apple cakes are my favorite cakes. Brings back so many lovely memories from my childhood. This cake looks absolutely delicious Elaine. Would love to have a slice with my morning tea. Sharing this!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 24, 2017 at 7:40 am

        Thank you Natalie! I do love a good apple cake. This was a cake that only made it to day to in my house when I was growing up. Which is unfortunate because as it sits, it gets more moist and even yummier!!

        Reply
    6. laura

      April 25, 2017 at 11:43 am

      This apple cake looks fantastic and I am definitely going to try it

      Reply
      • Elaine

        April 25, 2017 at 2:32 pm

        Thanks so much Laura! It is so good!

        Reply
    7. Christopher

      August 26, 2017 at 1:53 pm

      It’s such a moist cake. Delicious!

      Reply
    8. Ben Myhre

      October 15, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      First, “No dry cake for you”… I couldn’t help but read that in the Seinfeld soup nazi voice. Second, that top picture has three stacked on top of each other. That seems about right for what I want to eat.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 15, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        Hehe. Thanks Ben! Would you be disappointed in me if you read I’ve never seen a Seinfeld episode?

        Reply
    9. Heidy L. McCallum

      October 15, 2018 at 12:52 pm

      What a wonderful cake recipe! I love walnuts and apples so this would be perfect to make. It looks so good too. I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 15, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        Thank you Heidy It is a family favorite!

        Reply
    10. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life

      October 15, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      LOVE apple spice cakes in the fall! I might try this without nuts (husband is allergic to walnuts and I’m allergic to pecans), or with hazelnuts or almonds, and see how it goes. Looks so good!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 15, 2018 at 1:15 pm

        Thanks Marlynn! Any nut would do. I’ve made it with almonds and it’s delicious!

        Reply
    11. Tara

      October 15, 2018 at 1:14 pm

      Yum! I can see why this is a family favorite. That texture looks perfect. Love the addition of cinnamon and walnuts.

      Reply
    12. Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites

      October 15, 2018 at 1:47 pm

      I’m usually all about the chocolate, but this time of year – bring on the apples!! This cake looks incredible!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 15, 2018 at 3:18 pm

        Thanks Lauren. Me too (about the chocolate) but this cake has a place in my heart!

        Reply
    13. Aleta

      October 15, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Oh my goodness this cake looks to die for! I love the big chunks of apple rather than just grated apple and of course I am completely obsessed with cinnamon. This recipe is amazing, can’t wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 15, 2018 at 3:19 pm

        Thanks so much Aleta!! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Nicoletta Sugarlovespices

      October 15, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      So easy to make, yet such a sophisticated delicious cake! It looks really moist and perfectly spiced.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 16, 2018 at 4:19 pm

        Thanks so much Nicoletta!

        Reply
    15. Heather

      October 15, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      This cake looks super moist. Perfect cake for Fall and all those apples I picked!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 16, 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks Heather! I love fall with all the fresh apples!

        Reply
    16. Analida Braeger

      October 16, 2018 at 10:37 am

      There’s nothing like warm, moist spiced cakes in the fall. I look forward to this season specifically to enjoy these types of cake. Not to mention yours looks wonderfully gooey and fall apart! I also appreciate the simplicity of the spices and getting sweetness from apples.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 16, 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Thank you Analida!! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Anna

      October 17, 2018 at 4:08 am

      What a scrumptious looking cake! I would choose this over chocolate any day! Wish there was a ‘download’ option, so I could grab a slice straight away!!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 17, 2018 at 12:57 pm

        Lol! Thanks Anna. I must say, I would pick chocolate still, but I do LOVE this cake!

        Reply
    18. Kelly Anthony

      October 19, 2018 at 7:26 am

      This would be so perfect for an afternoon snack! But also, a seriously great way to start the day 😉 Looks moist and tender, just like a cake a should be. A perfect recipe! Thanks, Elaine!!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 19, 2018 at 10:37 am

        Thank you Kelly! I appreciate it, and yes it’s very moist and tender!

        Reply
    19. Marisa Franca

      October 20, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      The cake does look moist and apple cakes are one of my favorites. I’m glad you used large chunks of apples in the dessert – that way you actually get the apple taste instead of a flavoring. And adding walnuts to is an ideal addition. A real winner of a recipe.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 21, 2018 at 5:13 pm

        Thanks so much Marisa! I appreciate it. I love chunky fruit! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

      October 21, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      LOVE how moist and tender this cake looks. And the fact that it gets even more moist after the initial day of baking gives you even more to look forward to. This looks SO good! Perfect for fall.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 21, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        Thanks so much Ashley! It’s one of my family’s favorite!! 🙂

        Reply
    21. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago

      October 21, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Such a great cake for fall! I bet it’s got great flavor with the apples and walnuts!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 21, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        It’s really delicious Kathryn! Don’t tell anyone but sometimes I use my fork and mash it and then put it in my yogurt! Yum.

        Reply
    22. Leslie Haasch

      October 21, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      I’ve got a bushel of apples just begging for a purpose – found one! 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 4:59 pm

        Woohoo Leslie!!

        Reply
    23. Devon

      October 21, 2018 at 7:38 pm

      I made it and it was delicious!! I wasn’t sure how it was going to be because the batter was pretty crumbly, but it’s yummy. I wonder if the batter is usually kind of crumbly or if I missed one of the liquidy ingredients.
      When it was all nice and warm, I was thinking it might go well with ice cream or whipped cream.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 4:59 pm

        Devie!!! It’s not usually crumbly, but I’m glad it came out delicious!

        Reply
    24. Amanda Mason

      October 21, 2018 at 9:25 pm

      This looks amazing and is PERFECT for fall! I want to add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and serve it warm! Perfect for fall!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 4:59 pm

        Thanks Amanda! 🙂

        Reply
    25. Holly

      October 22, 2018 at 12:03 am

      Oh my goodness! That looks so moist and delicious! I’m saving this to try soon!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 5:00 pm

        Thanks Holly. It is so weird that it gets so moist. After a few days, it’s so moist, it’s ridiculous! But in a good way.

        Reply
    26. Anna Hettick

      October 22, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      I love apples, and walnuts, and cake, so I would DEFINITELY LOVE this cake. I am saving to try!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 5:00 pm

        I bet you would Anna!

        Reply
    27. Noel Lizotte

      October 22, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      Totally the perfect recipe for apple season! My friend’s apple orchard is loaded and we’re gathering all the goodness.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 23, 2018 at 2:23 pm

        Thanks Noel. I would love to have an apple orchard nearby!!

        Reply
    28. Devon

      October 27, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Lainey Looders!! Owen and I finished it off over a couple of days. We left a fork in the pan and just kept going back for taste treats. I’ll definitely be making it again.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 29, 2018 at 3:11 pm

        Hehe! It’s such a family favorite and I’m glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    29. Cin

      May 11, 2019 at 10:20 am

      16 servings from a 9×9 pan seems amazing.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 13, 2019 at 10:08 am

        Cin, I’m all for cutting small pieces. That way I can eat 2 pieces and feel like I’m not eating as much if I had one big piece. 😉 My sister cuts 9 pieces, but I find them too big. Thank you for your comment!

        Reply
    30. Amba

      April 11, 2020 at 11:12 am

      This cake is amazing! So tasty and because of it I won a baking competition at work! 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        April 11, 2020 at 7:55 pm

        That’s so fun! You have made my day and I’m so happy you won! Thanks for letting me know Amba!

        Reply
    31. James

      September 07, 2020 at 6:12 pm

      I used half the sugar and two kinds of cinnamon with the apples, which I did not peel. In addition, I used safflower oil, which is really buttery.

      For a topping, I made an enhanced chantilly with sour cream, wildflower honey and lemon zest.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        September 08, 2020 at 10:17 am

        I really am glad you enjoyed it. I love all the additions and subtractions you’ve made. And that topping sounds heavenly! Thank you for taking out the time to comment, James. I really appreciate it.

        Reply
        • James Sklar

          September 10, 2020 at 12:42 pm

          It was so yummy and I think it would be fun to spike the whipped cream with calvados or brandy

          Reply
          • Elaine

            September 10, 2020 at 2:46 pm

            Oooo yes, either would be perfect. I would lean towards the calvados myself. Thanks James!

            Reply
    32. Alison

      November 08, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      I actually added an extra egg and a bit of apple juice. It was fabulous

      Reply
      • Elaine

        November 08, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        Yay! I’m glad to hear that Alison! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    33. Inga

      December 18, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      It’s very simple and delicious I love it 😊

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 19, 2021 at 9:04 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Inga! It’s one of my family’s favorites. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

        Reply
    34. Meli

      January 15, 2022 at 10:40 am

      This recipe was an absolute disaster. I had to throw the entire cake out. Awful!!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 15, 2022 at 11:44 am

        I’m sorry to hear that Meli. What made it a disaster? Could you tell me more?

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Elaine! I'm so glad you stopped by. Here you will find lots of tasty cocktails, comforting food and inspiration for your next meal. I LOVE chocolate, almost all foods, blogging, photography and spending time with my hubby!

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    935 shares