There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts baking in the oven. This Apple Walnut Cake captures all those cozy fall flavors in one moist, tender bite. Each slice is filled with chunks of juicy apple, a hint of warm spice, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. I tried this recipe once with a drizzle of maple glaze instead of the usual powdered sugar topping, and it was absolutely divine. Whether you’re serving it as an afternoon snack, a brunch treat, or a simple dessert, this cake is a celebration of home-baked goodness—deliciously rustic, easy to make, and full of heartwarming flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Walnut Cake is the perfect balance of texture and taste—soft and moist on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy walnuts. It’s a simple, old-fashioned recipe that’s effortlessly elegant and always crowd-pleasing. You don’t need a mixer or fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and fresh apples. It’s a wonderful cake for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want something that feels homemade and comforting.
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Apple Walnut Cake: Moist, Spiced, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cannoli Cookies capture all the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in a soft, chewy cookie form. These delightful treats feature ricotta cheese, mini chocolate chips, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon for that authentic cannoli flavor — perfect for holidays, parties, or coffee breaks.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture — drain excess liquid if needed.
- These cookies stay soft and moist for several days when stored in an airtight container.
- Try adding a touch of almond extract for extra flavor.
- Freeze baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour creates the base for a soft and sturdy crumb, holding in the moisture from the apples.
Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise beautifully while keeping it light and fluffy.
Salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the cake with warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Apples are the star ingredient—choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Dice them small so they blend smoothly into the batter.
Walnuts add a nutty crunch that complements the soft apples. Toast them lightly before mixing in for a deeper, richer flavor.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar add sweetness and moisture. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the cake’s depth.
Eggs provide structure and help create that moist, rich texture.
Vegetable oil keeps the cake incredibly soft and tender. You can substitute it with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Vanilla extract ties everything together with a smooth, aromatic finish.
Optional glaze or powdered sugar gives a beautiful finishing touch—either a simple dusting or a sweet drizzle works perfectly.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, combine oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 45 minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert since the flavor deepens as it rests.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent finish.
Maple Glaze Version: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of cream for a flavorful glaze.
Cranberry Twist: Add dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
Apple Raisin Cake: Mix in golden raisins for a more traditional, fruit-filled cake.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spiced Chai Variation: Add a pinch of cardamom, ginger, and cloves for an aromatic twist.
Cream Cheese Frosted: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting once cooled for extra richness.
Pecan Substitute: Replace walnuts with pecans for a sweeter, buttery crunch.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake in mini bundt molds for individual servings—perfect for parties.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their shape and add balanced sweetness.
Can I peel the apples?
Yes, peeling is optional, but peeled apples create a smoother texture.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely—pecans work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes, just omit them for a nut-free version.
Can I add frosting?
A simple cream cheese or caramel glaze pairs perfectly.
How do I keep it moist?
Don’t overbake, and store tightly covered once cooled.
Can I use applesauce instead of some oil?
Yes, substitute half the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Yes, though baking time may increase by 10–15 minutes.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Apple Walnut Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert—moist, tender, and brimming with comforting fall flavors. The blend of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices creates a cake that feels nostalgic and utterly satisfying. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead treat, this recipe brings cozy charm to any table. Serve it with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
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