The Apple Walnut Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. This recipe comes from Vintage Recipe Box 400 and is handwritten in blue ballpoint pen on a lined index card. The card notes “J. Read,” who may be the recipe’s author. The combination of apple pie filling and chopped walnuts creates a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful crunch, making it a timeless favorite.
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Apple Walnut Cake
Food History
Apple walnut cake has deep roots in American baking traditions, reflecting the country’s love for apples and the versatility of this fruit in desserts. Apple pie filling became a convenient option for home bakers in the mid-20th century, especially with the rise of pre-packaged products like “Thank You” brand apple pie filling. These ready-made fillings allowed for quicker and easier preparation of classic desserts like this cake, making them accessible even to those with little baking experience.
The use of walnuts in baking also has a long history, particularly in American cuisine. Walnuts add a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying texture to baked goods, perfectly complementing the sweetness of apples.
Looking for the perfect recipe? Scroll through our library of Vintage Apple Cake Recipes to find your new favorite.
Timeline
- Mid-20th Century: Canned apple pie filling became a popular baking ingredient, leading to the creation of recipes like Apple Walnut Cake.
- 1960s-1970s: Desserts featuring a blend of fruit and nuts become a staple in American homes, often served during holidays and family gatherings.
- Today: Apple Walnut Cake remains a beloved dessert, celebrated for its simplicity and comforting flavors.
Recipe Discussion
This Apple Walnut Cake recipe is straightforward. It combines pantry staples with the convenience of canned apple pie filling. The batter is made by beating eggs and gently mixing in the apple pie filling, sugar, flour, baking soda, and other dry ingredients. Adding cooking oil ensures a moist texture, while the chopped walnuts add a crunchy contrast.
The cake is baked in a 13×9 inch pan, making it an ideal dessert for sharing with family or bringing to a potluck. Its simple preparation and rich flavor make it a go-to recipe for a quick yet impressive dessert.
Preparation Tips
- Mixing the Batter: Be gentle when folding the apple pie filling into the batter to avoid breaking down the apple pieces too much, preserving the texture.
- Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees to allow the cake to bake evenly. Depending on your oven, you may need to check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your baking pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Apple Day is celebrated on October 21st, a perfect occasion to enjoy a slice of apple cake.
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Recommended Products for Making Apple Walnut Cake
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- 13×9 Inch Baking Pan: Essential for this recipe and perfect for baking evenly.
- Walnut Chopper: Speeds up the process of chopping walnuts, ensuring uniform pieces.
- Silicone Spatula: Ideal for gently folding ingredients without overmixing the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm and Cozy: Serve this Apple Walnut Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Breakfast Delight: Pair a slice of this cake with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
- Holiday Dessert: This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a nostalgic taste that guests will love.
Savor the Classic Flavor of Apple Walnut Cake
Apple Walnut Cake is a comforting dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the rich taste of walnuts. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday treat or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake will surely please. For more apple-inspired desserts and baking ideas, explore our apple recipes and cake recipes to discover even more delicious ways to enjoy this classic combination.
Vintage Recipe Box 400 comes to us from Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
It is a large white metal box that measures 12” D x 5.5” W x 4” H and has a metal tag that says “American Home Menu Maker.” According to my research, the box was sold in multiple colors for $1 and included 212 “basic recipes” for an additional $.50. (See the image below, which is an order form to purchase the box.)
At this time, we do not know anything about the history of the box. We do show that this box came to us with another box, but at this time, we are not sure if the same person owned them or if the eBay seller grouped them.
View all the vintage recipes from Vintage Recipe Box 400. Click here to view all the Vintage Recipe Boxes we have published in our collection.
Apple Walnut Cake Recipe
Apple Walnut Cake
Ingredients
Batter
- 2 eggs
- 1 can applie pie filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon
Topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2/3 cup cooking oil
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Beat 2 eggs in large bowl
- Mix in (gently) 1 can "thank you" apple pie filling
- [Sift dry ingredients and add to egg and filling mixture]
- Bake in 13x9 inch pan at 250 degrees for 40-50 minutes
Notes
You can use Cherry, Pineapple, or Peach. Also, use cookies in a larger pan.