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.
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!
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.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sugarcraft Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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