Ye Olde Waterford Apple Cake
A moist, flavorful apple cake with walnuts, cinnamon, and a hint of orange, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon with 6 tablespoons sugar.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the sliced apples and chopped nuts; set aside.
- Beat softened butter, 2 cups sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients (flour and remaining sugar) and orange juice alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle half of the apple and nut mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter over the apple/nut layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining apple and nut mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you're short on time, pre-sliced apples can be a great substitute for fresh ones. To enhance the cake's texture, you can add a cup of shredded coconut or raisins. Remember to adjust the baking time if you're using a different size pan, as this can affect the cake's moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cake is delightful when served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a lovely brunch option, serve alongside Creamy Noodles 'N' Vegetables or alongside coffee for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or for a few minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ye Olde Waterford Apple Cake contains roughly 750 calories, with 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, you can substitute with almonds or hazelnuts. Just ensure they are chopped and lightly toasted for the best flavor. You can also omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, apple cider or lemon juice can work as substitutes. Apple cider will enhance the apple flavor, while lemon juice will add a nice brightness. Adjust the sugar slightly if using lemon juice to balance the tartness.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
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).