Description
This easy apple cake recipe features a moist and flavorful cake packed with finely chopped tart apples and crunchy walnuts. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced with warm cinnamon, it is a delightful dessert that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped topping. Ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1–3/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Topping
- 1–1/4 cups whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a consistent batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, beating continuously until fully blended without overmixing.
- Fold in apples and walnuts: Gently fold the finely chopped peeled tart apples and chopped walnuts into the batter, maintaining a light texture and ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the dish.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack to room temperature to allow it to set properly before serving.
- Serve with whipped topping: Spoon 1-1/4 cups of whipped topping over slices of the cooled apple cake for a creamy and delicious finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the tart apples with Granny Smith or any crisp apple variety for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans for a different nutty profile.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender and light.
- Using a toothpick test is the best way to check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
- For added moisture, consider adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/20th of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
