Cardamom Apple Cake

Highlighted under: Sugarcraft Creations

Enjoy the warm, inviting flavors of Cardamom Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet apples and aromatic spices.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:02:02.232Z

Cardamom Apple Cake is a family favorite that brings together the warmth of spices with the freshness of apples. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your guests!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The fragrant aroma of cardamom fills your kitchen while baking
  • Juicy apple pieces create a moist and tender crumb
  • A perfect dessert for fall gatherings and celebrations

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. Cardamom Apple Cake captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and sweet apple flavor. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it also brings a cozy ambiance to your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.

Perfect for celebrations or simply as a delightful after-dinner dessert, this cake is a showstopper. With its tender crumb and perfectly balanced sweetness, it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Your guests will rave about the unique flavor combination that cardamom and apples bring to this classic dessert.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Cardamom Apple Cake, it's essential to use fresh ingredients. Make sure your apples are ripe and flavorful, as they will significantly impact the cake's moisture and taste. Additionally, using room-temperature butter and eggs will help create a light and airy batter, ensuring your cake rises beautifully during baking.

When measuring your flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it down, which can lead to a dense cake. Also, don't be tempted to overmix your batter. Mixing until just combined will yield a tender crumb, while overmixing can lead to a tougher texture. Following these simple tips will help you create a cake that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Mix all the ingredients well for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.

Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Prepare Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Cardamom Apple Cake!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Cardamom Apple Cake is baked and cooled, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For serving, this cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a touch of indulgence, making it a truly special dessert for any gathering or celebration.

Variations to Try

While the traditional Cardamom Apple Cake is a crowd-pleaser, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Their crunchy texture complements the soft apples beautifully and adds an extra layer of flavor. You can also substitute the apples with pears for a different fruity experience, or mix both for a delightful combination.

If you enjoy a bit of zest, a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavors of the cake, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall taste. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits?

Yes, pears or berries can be substituted for apples.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

Cardamom Apple Cake

Enjoy the warm, inviting flavors of Cardamom Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet apples and aromatic spices.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sugarcraft Creations

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  7. 1 cup granulated sugar
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1/2 cup buttermilk
  11. 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  3. 1 tablespoon butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.

Step 06

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 07

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake batter.

Step 08

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 09

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 3g