Apple Walnut Cake

A Moist, Spiced, & Hearty Fall Classic

This cake is the epitome of cozy autumn baking—packed with tender apples, toasted walnuts, and warm spices in a dense, moist crumb. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for holiday gatherings.

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🍎 The Ultimate Recipe

Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 50-60 mins | Cool Time: 2 hours | Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) cake or 9-inch round cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Recommended):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For a Simpler Topping:

• Powdered sugar dusting
• Caramel drizzle
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 9-inch round springform pan.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

2. Make the Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk oil and sugar until combined.
• Whisk in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
• Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
• Fold in chopped apples and toasted walnuts.

3. Bake:

• Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes (for 9×13) or 55-65 minutes (for round), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

4. Frost or Finish:

• For cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over cooled cake.
• For simpler topping: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel while slightly warm.