Cardamom Apple Cake
Highlighted under: Seasonal Flavor Journey
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of this Cardamom Apple Cake, perfect for any occasion.
This Cardamom Apple Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices and fresh apples, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Aromatic cardamom enhances the natural sweetness of apples
- Moist and tender texture that keeps you coming back for more
- Perfectly spiced for cozy gatherings and celebrations
A Symphony of Flavors
The combination of cardamom and apples in this cake creates a delightful harmony that appeals to the senses. Cardamom, known for its warm and slightly citrusy flavor, complements the sweetness of apples beautifully. Each bite offers a unique taste experience, making it a perfect dessert for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen while baking will have everyone eager to taste this delicious creation.
This Cardamom Apple Cake not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any table. The lovely golden-brown crust, sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar, adds to its visual appeal. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect texture for your Cardamom Apple Cake, it's essential to use room temperature ingredients. Softened butter and eggs blend more easily with the dry ingredients, creating a light and airy batter. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter; combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated to maintain the cake's tender crumb.
Choosing the right apples is also crucial for this recipe. Varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the cake. Feel free to experiment with different apple types to discover your perfect blend. Remember to peel and dice the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start baking.
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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Cardamom Apple Cake.
Preheat 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 the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream 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 creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Cardamom Apple Cake with a cup of tea or coffee!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the cooled cake.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful serving experience, consider pairing slices of Cardamom Apple Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of these accompaniments contrasts beautifully with the cake's warm spices, creating a memorable dessert. Additionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can elevate its presentation.
This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed at various times of the day. Serve it as a sweet breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee, or slice it up for an afternoon snack. It also makes for an excellent dessert after dinner, impressing your guests with its sophisticated flavors.
Storing and Freezing
To keep your Cardamom Apple Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you wish to prepare the cake ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches can also be delicious substitutes.
→ How should I store the leftover cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.
→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Cardamom Apple Cake
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of this Cardamom Apple Cake, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Seasonal Flavor Journey
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 slices
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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream 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 creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g