Apple Cinnamon Nut Cake Recipe

Introduction

This classic apple cake is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings. Packed with tender apples and warm spices, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding cream cheese frosting, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more pronounced apple flavor and balance of sweetness.
• For extra moisture, swap half the sour cream with applesauce.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more spice complexity.
• Toast the nuts lightly before folding them in to enhance their flavor.
• Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert.

Storage

Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cake?

It’s best to use fresh apples peeled and diced, as frozen apples release excess moisture that can affect the cake’s texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing similar moisture and tanginess. You can also use buttermilk, but reduce any added liquid accordingly.

Apple Cinnamon Nut Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

This moist and flavorful Apple Cake combines tender chunks of fresh apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Made with a creamy batter enriched by sour cream or Greek yogurt, it’s a perfect comforting dessert for fall or any time you crave a classic apple treat. Optional nuts add a crunchy texture while a dusting of powdered sugar enhances the presentation.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Other Ingredients

• 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even spice distribution.
3. Cream butter & sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a creamy base. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine batter: Incorporate the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the butter mixture until fully blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the cake tender. Finally, fold in the diced apples and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
5. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool & serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar or adding a cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer topping. Slice and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and a slightly healthier option.
• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and a pleasant tartness.
• Adding nuts is optional but provides extra texture—pecans or walnuts both work well.
• For an extra festive touch, top the cake with a simple cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender and light.

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon cake, fall dessert, baked apple cake, moist apple cake recipe, nut cake, classic apple dessert