Caramel Apple Walnut Cake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Caramel Apple Walnut Cake, bringing the warmth of autumn to your table. Made with fresh apples, brown sugar, and a delightful caramel sauce, this dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends during any special occasion or just for a cozy night in.
12-16
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples
4 cups (peeled and chopped small)
Oil
1/2 cup
Applesauce
1/4 cup
Eggs
2
Brown Sugar
1 cup
Sugar
1/2 cup
Vanilla
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Baking Soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
Flour
2 cups (whole wheat pastry)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter
5 tablespoons
Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Whipping Cream
1/4 cup
Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, and both sugars until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped apples and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is moist and thick. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
5
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel topping by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and whipping cream to the melted butter, stirring constantly.
7
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to simmer for about 4-5 minutes, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Once the cake is baked, immediately pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top.
9
Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the caramel soak in. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramel Apple Walnut Cake?
It is a comforting autumn-flavored dessert made with fresh apples, chopped walnuts, and a rich homemade caramel sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this cake?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 to 16 servings.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and chopped into small pieces before being added to the batter.
What type of flour is used in this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour.
Can I use applesauce in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of applesauce combined with oil and sugars for moisture.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, added one at a time to the mixture.
When should I add the walnuts?
Fold in the chopped walnuts after the dry ingredients have been stirred into the wet ingredients.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 35-40 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
What ingredients are needed for the caramel sauce?
The sauce requires butter, brown sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla extract.
How long should the caramel sauce simmer?
After bringing it to a gentle boil, let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes while whisking continuously.
When do I add the caramel topping to the cake?
Immediately pour the warm caramel sauce over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Should the cake rest before serving?
Yes, allow the cake to rest for a few minutes so the caramel can soak into the sponge.
What is a good serving suggestion for this cake?
It is delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What spices are used in the batter?
The cake is flavored with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Is there vanilla in both the cake and the sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon is used in the cake batter and 1/2 teaspoon is used in the caramel topping.
How much oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of oil.
What kind of sugar is used for the cake?
The cake batter uses a combination of 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How much butter is used for the caramel?
The caramel topping uses 5 tablespoons of butter.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the instructions recommend sifting the cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour together.
What is the role of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons) acts as the leavening agent to help the cake rise.
Should the brown sugar for the sauce be packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar for the caramel sauce.
Is this a good holiday dessert?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a holiday treat and autumn dessert, perfect for family gatherings.
How much whipping cream is needed?
The caramel topping requires 1/4 cup of whipping cream.
What is the consistency of the batter?
Once the dry mix is added to the wet ingredients, the batter should be moist and thick.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, grease the 13x9 inch baking pan before spreading the batter.
Can I use different nuts?
While the recipe calls for walnuts, you could potentially substitute with pecans or omit them if preferred.
Is this cake served warm or cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is best served warm to experience the full flavor of the caramel and apples.