Double-Apple Walnut Cake
A moist and flavorful double-apple walnut cake with warm spices, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons, offering a delightful combination of apples and walnuts in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups butter ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1 Granny Smith apple ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
- Combine all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg in a bowl.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- In a large bowl, beat butter at high speed until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Reduce speed to low.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Alternately beat in flour mixture and applesauce, beating for 1 minute after each addition.
- Fold in peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple pieces.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a rack for 40 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have Granny Smith apples, any tart apple will work as a substitute. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Double-Apple Walnut Cake with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For additional flavor, try drizzling it with caramel sauce or serving alongside a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double-Apple Walnut Cake contains roughly 582 calories, with 9g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use any variety that you enjoy. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a sweeter cake. Popular alternatives include Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Remember to check towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it. You can also freeze it and let it thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).