This Martha Stewart apple cake is a moist and spiced recipe, which uses fresh apples and chopped walnuts. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 1 hour.
Martha Stewart Apple Cake Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

How To Make Martha Stewart Apple Cake
- Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Add wet ingredients and mix-ins: Stir in apples, walnuts, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the cake: Spoon batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of apples are best? Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well and hold their shape.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, it’s great the next day and stays moist.
- How do I keep the cake moist? Don’t overbake and store it covered at room temperature.
- Can I make it nut-free? Yes, simply omit the walnuts if needed.
- Can I use a different pan size? Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly.
What To Serve With Apple Cake
This cake is perfect with cozy fall flavors or a creamy topping:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Warm custard or crème anglaise
- Hot apple cider
- Fresh whipped cream

How To Store Apple Cake
Room Temperature: Store covered in the baking pan for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Apple Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~280 per serving
- Total Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Sugars: ~25g
- Protein: ~3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
No, this recipe depends on fresh apple chunks for texture and flavor.
Can I add raisins?
Yes, 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries can be mixed in.
Why is my apple cake too dense?
Overmixing the batter can make it dense. Stir just until combined.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Slightly warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, a simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze works great.
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Martha Stewart Apple Cake
Description
A moist, warmly spiced apple cake made with fresh apples, chopped walnuts, and topped with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Add apples, walnuts, butter, and eggs. Stir to combine.
- Spoon into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 40–45 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
