Easy Apple Walnut Cinnamon Delight Recipe That Warms The Soul

Cinnamon walnut apple delight sparkles with warm, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet aromas will immediately capture your imagination and transport you to cozy kitchen memories.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this delectable creation, promising pure culinary joy.

Seasonal spices weave magic through every delightful bite, inviting sensory exploration.

Crisp textures and rich nutty undertones complement the natural sweetness at the heart of this dish.

Unexpected combinations elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, challenging traditional dessert expectations.

Each carefully crafted element contributes to a symphony of taste that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

You can find yourself enchanted by the harmonious balance of robust ingredients waiting to be discovered.

Warmth in Every Bite of Cinnamon Walnut Apple Delight

• This dessert builds incredible depth by combining canned and fresh apples, creating a rich, complex fruity base that feels homemade and authentic.
• Spice cake mix magically becomes a crunchy, sweet topping when mixed with warm spices, turning basic pantry items into an extraordinary dessert without complicated techniques.
• Minimal prep time and straightforward assembly make this recipe perfect for busy families, delivering a warm, satisfying treat in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Versatile serving options like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce allow each person to personalize their dessert experience, making it fun and adaptable for different tastes.

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Apple Walnut Perfection

• Canned Apple Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and consistent apple base for the dessert.
• Fresh Apples: Adds texture and freshness to complement the canned filling, choose firm and slightly tart varieties.

• Spice Cake Mix, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Brown Sugar: Creates a flavorful and crunchy layer with warm, aromatic spices, select high-quality ground spices for best taste.

• Walnuts: Offers a rich, nutty crunch and depth of flavor, preferably fresh and whole nuts.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden topping and adds richness to the dessert.

How to Make Apple That Tastes Homemade

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your baking environment is perfectly ready for our delightful dessert.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Base

• Canned apple pie filling
• Fresh crisp apples (peeled and sliced)
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

Gently mix these ingredients, creating a rich and fragrant apple layer that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Create the Crumbly Topping

• Spice cake mix
• Brown sugar
• Chopped walnuts
• Additional ground cinnamon

Stir these ingredients until they form a delightful, crumbly mixture that will add incredible texture to your dessert.

Step 4: Layer the Dessert

Carefully spread the apple mixture evenly across the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbly walnut topping generously over the apples. Take cold butter and strategically place thin slices across the surface, ensuring every bite will be wonderfully rich and decadent.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle

Each serving promises a delightful blend of warm spices, tender apples, and crunchy walnuts.

Tips for Cozy Flavors and a Tender Crumb

• Select Perfect Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your dessert.
• Enhance Nut Flavor: Lightly toast walnuts before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the topping.
• Create Consistent Butter Placement: Cut cold butter into thin, even slices to ensure uniform melting and a crispy, golden topping across the entire dessert.
• Prevent Overflow: Place a baking sheet underneath the baking dish to catch any potential drips and protect your oven from sticky residue.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife near the center to verify the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown, avoiding overbaking that could dry out the dessert.

Storage Secrets for Keeping Apple Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dessert stays fresh and preserves its delightful texture.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain the dessert's soft, tender consistency.
• Oven Reheat: Gently warm at 325 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning and keep the filling moist and delicious.

Fall-Ready Pairings for This Spiced Apple Treat

• Pair with Warming Beverage: Complement the spiced dessert with a hot chai latte or mulled apple cider, which will enhance the cinnamon and apple flavors while providing a cozy drinking experience.
• Match with Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the warm, crunchy texture and add a cool, smooth contrast to the dessert.
• Create Nutty Wine Harmony: Select a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a light port that echoes the walnut's richness and matches the dessert's sweet, spiced profile without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Elevate with Aromatic Coffee: Brew a medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or hazelnut to create a harmonious pairing that highlights the dessert's warm spices and nutty undertones.

Apple Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Rustic Apple Crisp Remix: Replace the spice cake mix with rolled oats, flour, and melted butter to create a traditional crisp topping with a crunchy texture.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Casserole: Add a layer of caramel sauce between the apple filling and cake mix topping for extra gooey sweetness and deeper flavor complexity.
• Spiced Pecan Apple Bake: Swap walnuts for pecans and enhance the spice profile by adding a touch of ground ginger and cardamom to complement the existing cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Maple Almond Autumn Dessert: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and use sliced almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty dimension that captures cozy fall flavors.

FAQ Round-Up for Apple Walnut Dessert Lovers

• Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?

Yes! You can mix fresh sliced apples with a little sugar and cornstarch to replace the canned filling. Just ensure the apples are peeled and cut into even slices.

• How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling edges. The dessert should be hot throughout and have a crispy, crumbly surface when it’s done, usually after 40-50 minutes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix or a gluten-free flour blend. Check all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free before preparing.

• What are the best toppings for this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce are excellent choices. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or chopped walnuts can also enhance the flavor and texture.

Cinnamon Walnut Apple Delight Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm cinnamon walnut apple delight brings comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and fragrant spices meld into a nostalgic dessert you’ll savor with pure joy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large McIntosh or Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 (15.25-ounce) package spice cake mix
• 1 ⅓ cup chopped walnuts

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar

Fat and Topping:

• 10 tablespoons cold butter, sliced

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Homemade whipped cream
• Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350 degrees F, creating the ideal baking temperature for a delectable dessert.
2. Carefully arrange the apple pie filling and freshly sliced apples in a spacious 9 x 13-inch baking vessel, creating a harmonious fruit base.
3. In a generously sized mixing bowl, artfully combine the spice cake mix with aromatic cinnamon, warm nutmeg, and rich brown sugar, crafting a tantalizing crumbly topping.
4. Distribute the prepared cake mix blend evenly across the apple landscape, maintaining distinct layer integrity. Scatter chopped walnuts strategically, then place cold butter slices across the surface for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Transfer the assembled dessert into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-50 minutes until the topping achieves a golden-brown radiance and the filling bubbles with inviting warmth.
6. Once removed from the oven, permit the dessert a brief cooling moment to stabilize its structure. Enhance the experience by complementing with velvety vanilla ice cream, billowy whipped cream, or a drizzle of decadent caramel sauce.

Notes

• Versatile Dessert: This cinnamon walnut apple delight combines convenience with homemade goodness, perfect for last-minute gatherings or family comfort food nights.
• Quick Preparation: Using spice cake mix and canned apple pie filling dramatically reduces prep time, making it an easy dessert option for busy home bakers.
• Texture Layers: The recipe creates a delightful contrast between soft, gooey apple filling and a crispy, nutty crumb topping that adds exciting mouthfeel.
• Customizable Finishing: Enhance the dessert with various toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce to suit individual preferences.
• Temperature Matters: Let the dessert cool slightly after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burning, ensuring perfect serving consistency.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg