Fresh Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon and Walnuts
A simple fresh apple spice cake recipe with cinnamon and walnuts, made with diced apples and whole-wheat pastry flour for moist, seasonal flavor.
Fresh Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon and Walnuts makes the most of peak fall fruit with simple, recognizable ingredients. This apple spice cake recipe is designed for home cooks who want seasonal flavor without canned apple filling or unnecessary shortcuts. First, choose firm, crisp apples and prep them just before mixing.
Why this apple spice cake recipe works
Fresh apples keep the cake moist, which means you can use less added sweetener than many traditional versions. The method is straightforward, and the ingredient list leaves room for the fruit's natural flavor. In addition, combining more than one apple variety improves texture and taste. For example, mix a tart apple with a sweeter one for balance.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced fresh apples
- 1 3/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, and olive oil. Fold in the apples.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in walnuts, and spread the batter in the pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Then cool before slicing.
Choosing apples
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn hold their shape and offer a useful balance of sweetness and acidity. Softer apples break down faster, which is helpful for cider and apple butter. Mixing varieties usually produces a more interesting result than relying on only one variety.
Nutrition perspective
Whole apples add fiber and plant compounds to the cake. The final nutrition depends on serving size and any added sweetener or fat, so adjust portions accordingly. However, enjoy this sweet apple recipe as part of an overall balanced eating pattern rather than treating one ingredient as a health remedy.
Storage
Cool leftovers promptly and store them in a covered container. Baked goods keep about three days at room temperature or five days refrigerated. Finally, for more seasonal recipes and practical kitchen tips, visit The Nutrient.
