Apple and Walnut Cake

Name: Apple and Walnut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Type 00 flour 2 ½ cups; Sugar 1 cup; Whole milk 0.8 cup; Golden delicious apples (about 3) 1.3 lbs; Walnut kernels 0.7 cup; Butter 5 tbsp; Eggs 3; Baking powder 4 tsp; Lemons (juice and zest) 1; Salt 1 pinch; Butter to taste; Type 00 flour to taste; Powdered sugar to taste

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Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Serving: 8
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Sebastian Fitarau

So here's the thing—La torta di mele e noci, or apple walnut cake, is just, like, everywhere in Italy. Seriously. It's that classic treat everyone loves, whether it's breakfast or a quick snack. Pretty much. Families all over have their own takes on it. Some go for the moist apple slices. Others? They sprinkle cinnamon, while the crunchy walnuts are adored by many. What you’ll always get is a cake that smells really, really good—like warm apples and roasted nuts just out of the oven.

The batter? Honestly, it's super simple. Apples are not only mixed inside but also beautifully placed on top, making each slice look and taste extra special—really. It’s what they call "profumo irresistibile," meaning the house smells amazing, and you can't resist. Even if baking isn’t your thing, this easy apple walnut cake recipe is straightforward. You use everyday ingredients. And i gotta say, they just work together beautifully.

And picture this. You're starting a busy morning with a slice of this apple walnut cake and your coffee. Instant mood booster, for sure. Italians love it as an afternoon snack, and you know what? It’s perfect as a dessert after dinner—no fancy toppings needed. The cake's tender, almost buttery crumb stays soft thanks to those apples, while walnuts give it a toasty, nutty vibe.

Each region puts its spin on it—Tuscany goes simple and rustic, while up north, it might be a bit more spiced. This cake? It feels like Italy’s answer to American apple cake, but it highlights fresh fruit and nuts, letting them shine without too much fuss. Cut it thick or thin, and you get a homemade apple walnut cake that's perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Thinking about easy fall dessert recipes? Or looking for new apple dessert ideas? This one's bound to win everyone over from the very first bite. Really, it is.

INGREDIENTS

for a 9-inch springform pan: Type 00 flour 2 ½ cups (300 g); Sugar 1 cup (200 g); Whole milk 0.8 cup (200 g); Golden delicious apples 1.3 lbs (600 g) - (about 3); Walnut kernels 0.7 cup (80 g); Butter 5 tbsp (70 g); Eggs 3; Baking powder 4 tsp (16 g); Lemons 1 - (juice and zest); Salt 1 pinch

for greasing and flouring the pan: Butter to taste; Type 00 flour to taste

For dusting: Powdered sugar to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Apple and Walnut Cake

To prepare the apple and walnut cake, first peel the apples and remove the core 1. Slice one and a half apples 2 and dice the rest 3.

Place the apples in 2 separate bowls, squeeze half a lemon over each 4 5, and mix to prevent oxidation. Set aside. Now, start preparing the batter: melt the butter in a small saucepan and let it cool. Meanwhile, place the eggs and sugar in a bowl 6.

Beat with an electric mixer for 5-7 minutes 7 until the mixture is light, frothy, and tripled in volume. Sift the flour 8 and baking powder 9 into the bowl.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients with an upward movement 10. Add the melted butter 11 and incorporate. Gradually pour in the milk 12 and mix gently.

Add the diced apples 13, some of the roughly chopped walnuts 14, lemon zest 15, and a pinch of salt. Combine everything.

Pour the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, lined with parchment paper, greased and floured 16. Level the surface and decorate with apple slices arranged in a radial pattern 17, making sure to fill the center as well. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining walnuts 18.

Bake in a static oven at 355°F for 55 minutes 19, checking the doneness with a toothpick. Remove from the oven and let cool, then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar 20. The apple and walnut cake is ready to be served 21!

Storage

The apple and walnut cake can be stored at room temperature, under a glass dome or covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, making sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.