Irresistible Apple Walnut Cake Recipe

ByEmily Cake
Irresistible Apple Walnut Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a simple yet impressive dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh apples, this apple walnut cake is your answer. With tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a moist, fluffy cake, every bite delivers comfort and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual coffee morning or need a crowd-pleasing dessert, this easy apple cake requires just one bowl and basic pantry ingredients. The combination of crunchy walnuts, fragrant cinnamon, and juicy apples creates a homestyle treat that tastes like it came from a European bakery.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium apples (about 450g/1 lb)
  • 100g (3.5 oz/1 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml/1 fl oz)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (25g/0.9 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 150g (5.3 oz/¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 8g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 120ml (½ cup/4 fl oz) sunflower oil
  • 5 tablespoons natural yogurt (75ml/2.5 fl oz)
  • 200g (7 oz/1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 12g (1 tablespoon) baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples Peel and core the apples, then cut them into medium-sized chunks. Place the apple pieces in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with 150g sugar and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sunflower oil and yogurt, whisking until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gently fold into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 4: Combine with Apples and Walnuts Fold the prepared apple chunks and chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 24cm (9-inch) round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Servings: 8-10 slices

Nutrition Per Serving: Approximately 285 calories, 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, 13g fat, 2g fiber

Why This Apple Walnut Cake Is a Great Choice

This apple cake offers a wonderful balance of nutrition and indulgence. Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support digestive health and immunity. Walnuts add heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals like magnesium. The yogurt in the batter contributes probiotics and creates exceptional moisture without excess butter. Using sunflower oil instead of saturated fats makes this cake lighter while maintaining its tender crumb. The natural sweetness from the fruit means you need less added sugar, and the cinnamon provides anti-inflammatory benefits. This recipe proves that homemade desserts can be both delicious and nourishing.