Simple Apple Walnut Vanilla Loaf
A Delightful Homestyle Treat
There’s something truly magical about a homemade loaf cake - especially one that combines the comforting warmth of vanilla, the natural sweetness of apples, and the nutty crunch of walnuts. This Vanilla Apple Walnut Loaf Cake is everything you could want in a baked treat: simple, moist, flavorful, and easy to make.
There are cakes that are light and fluffy, and then there are cakes like this: rich, dense, and packed with layers of apples and walnuts that make every bite a textural experience.
This Vanilla Apple Walnut Loaf Cake isn’t just a simple loaf; it’s a carefully layered masterpiece where apples take center stage, nestled between ribbons of pancake-like batter and nutty goodness.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a family gathering, or just because you want a slice of homemade goodness with your coffee, this cake is the perfect choice
Why This Cake is Special
This isn’t just an apple cake - it’s an apple-lover’s cake. Instead of just tossing a few chunks of apple into the batter, this recipe layers the apples generously between the batter, ensuring that they don’t just blend in but truly define the cake’s texture.
The result? A cake that’s almost custard-like in the middle, dense with fruit, yet rich and comforting with every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels rustic and homey, the kind of cake that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Unlike traditional loaf cakes, which can sometimes be too dry or bready, this one is moist and rich, thanks to the apple’s natural juices seeping into the layers. And the best part?
The ground walnuts add a depth of flavor and texture, ensuring that every slice has a bit of soft cake, tender apples, and a hint of crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔ Super easy to make – No fancy techniques or complicated steps required.
✔ Simple ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
✔ Perfect for any occasion – Serve it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert.
✔ Naturally moist – Thanks to the apples, this cake stays tender for days.
✔ Versatile – You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste (see substitutions below!).
This is the kind of cake that feels cozy and nostalgic, the kind you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or just a regular weekday when you need a slice of something delicious, this loaf cake will always be a comforting choice.
If you enjoyed this, you may love: Banana Bread
Tips for the Best Vanilla Apple Walnut Loaf Cake
✔️ Use ripe but firm apples – Soft apples can become too mushy in the batter. Good choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
✔️ Layering matters – Alternating the batter, apples, and walnuts ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
✔️ Let it cool properly – Allowing the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan helps it set properly.
✔️ For extra crunch, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and makes them even more delicious.
Substitutions and Variations
✔️ No walnuts? Try pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts.
✔️ No vanilla extract? Use the seeds from a vanilla bean or a splash of almond extract for a different but delicious twist.
✔️ Want a healthier version? Swap out half the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
✔️ Dairy-free option – Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
✔️ Love cinnamon? Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the apples for a warm, spiced flavor.
Simple Apple Walnut
Vanilla Loaf Recipe
This Loaf Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a weekend treat or a special occasion. The combination of simple ingredients and rich flavors makes it a true classic.
✔Servings: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
⏱ Prep Time: 20 min
⏳ Baking Time: 45 min
⏰ Total Time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients
3 large eggs
150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
150g (⅔ cup) melted butter
A pinch of salt
200g (1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
10g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
2-3 firm apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
50g (½ cup) ground walnuts
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for topping)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan with baking paper or grease it with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Batter
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms.
Prepare the Apples
4. Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly.
Assemble the Cake
5. Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter. Sprinkle one tablespoon of ground walnuts over the apples, then spread a thin layer of batter.
6. Repeat the layers: apples, walnuts, and batter. finishing with a final layer of batter.
Optionally, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar on top for extra caramelization.
Bake the Cake
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
Serving
9. Slice and serve. Enjoy it plain or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Enjoy!
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything''?― Vincent van Gogh
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