Description
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cake with Caramel Drizzle
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the Caramel Drizzle:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the cake batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the caramel drizzle:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.
Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before drizzling over the cake.
Serve:
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
Slice and serve, enjoying the sweet, spiced flavor of the apples and cinnamon, the crunch of the walnuts, and the rich caramel finish.
This Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cake with Caramel Drizzle is a perfect fall dessert, offering a warm, comforting blend of spices, fresh apples, and crunchy walnuts, all complemented by a luscious caramel drizzle on top. It’s an ideal treat for cozy gatherings or any occasion!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. When creaming the butter and sugar, beat for a full 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy to incorporate air. When adding the dry and wet ingredients, mix on low speed and only until the flour disappears; overmixing leads to a tough cake. The key step is folding in the apples and walnuts gently with a spatula to maintain the batter’s structure. For the caramel, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly to prevent burning. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cake shines in many settings. For an elegant dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel. At a brunch, pair it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt. For a festive touch, garnish individual plates with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It also makes a wonderful gift; bake it in a decorative disposable pan for easy sharing.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Prepare a 9-inch pan and preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices, salt). Separately, cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla. Alternately add dry mix and sour cream to wet ingredients. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts. Bake 35-40 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Cool completely. For the drizzle, simmer brown sugar, butter, and cream for 2-3 minutes, then stir in vanilla and salt. Cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple? Yes. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweeter, firmer bites. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake the cake 1 day ahead, store tightly wrapped at room temperature, and make the caramel drizzle fresh before serving.
What’s a substitute for sour cream? Plain, full-fat yogurt or buttermilk are excellent substitutes and will provide similar moisture and tang.
Why did my caramel drizzle turn grainy? Graininess occurs if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved. Ensure you stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture is completely smooth before letting it simmer.
How should I store leftovers? Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The caramel may firm up when chilled; let slices come to room temperature or warm briefly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs won’t emulsify properly, leading to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, resulting in a chewy, tough crumb instead of a tender one.
- Under-baking or over-baking: Start checking at 35 minutes. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick is ideal; a completely clean pick can mean over-baked.
- Adding caramel to a warm cake: Drizzling on a hot cake will cause the caramel to melt and soak in unevenly instead of creating a beautiful glaze.
- Chopping apples too large: Large chunks can sink and create uneven texture. Aim for a 1/2-inch dice.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cake with Caramel Drizzle is more than a recipe—it’s an experience of warm, autumnal flavors and comforting textures. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a stunning dessert that impresses at any gathering. The combination of spiced, moist cake, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and rich caramel is truly irresistible. We hope this cake becomes a cherished staple in your baking repertoire, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table.