Why It’s Great

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your bundt pan by greasing it and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss together the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will enhance their sweetness and flavor. Set this mixture aside.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they are well combined.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a rich and flavorful base for your cake.
5. Combine and add walnuts: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, fold in the prepared apples and the chopped walnuts to incorporate them into the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready!
7. Cool and dust: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. After it’s cool, dust it lightly with confectioners’ sugar for that beautiful, finishing touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Slice the cake and serve it as is, or elevate it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist. This cake is perfect for dessert or as a delightful afternoon treat alongside your favorite beverage.
• Storage: Keep the cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer preservation, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for later enjoyment.

Helpful Notes

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries into the mix.
• If you prefer a more intense apple flavor, opt for tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, which balance sweetness perfectly.
• For an even sweeter and more attractive finish, you could top the cake with a glaze instead of the powdered sugar dusting.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the walnuts?
   Yes, you can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, or simply leave them out for a nut-free version.
2. What type of apples should I use?
   Granny Smith apples are fantastic for their tartness, but feel free to use any firm, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji to suit your taste preferences.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This cake stores beautifully and can be made a day in advance. Just remember to dust it with confectioners’ sugar just before serving for the freshest look.
4. Can I add a glaze instead of dusting with confectioners’ sugar?
   Definitely! A straightforward glaze made with powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk or orange juice would make a delicious alternative.
5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
   Thoroughly greasing and flouring your bundt pan is essential, especially in all the nooks and crannies. Alternatively, you can use a nonstick baking spray for extra assurance.