Cardamom Apple Cake

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Enjoy the warm flavors of cardamom and sweet apples in this delightful cake, perfect for any occasion.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-02T19:54:02.771Z

This Cardamom Apple Cake is a family favorite, combining the unique flavor of cardamom with the sweetness of apples. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening treat, it’s sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic cardamom enhances the natural sweetness of apples.
  • Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
  • A beautiful dessert that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Cardamom is known for its unique and fragrant aroma, which can elevate even the simplest of dishes. In this Cardamom Apple Cake, the spice beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This cake is not only delicious but also offers a subtle complexity that will impress your guests.

The combination of spices and fresh apples makes this cake a delightful choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake will surely bring warmth and joy to your table.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Cardamom Apple Cake turns out perfectly, remember to measure your ingredients accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly, which can lead to overpacking and a dense cake. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, will help create a light and fluffy texture.

When incorporating the apples, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter. Folding them in carefully prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tougher cake. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so checking for doneness with a toothpick is essential.

Serving Suggestions

This Cardamom Apple Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it further with some serving suggestions. Consider dusting the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation or serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and apples, creating a comforting dessert experience.

For a touch of elegance, serve slices of the cake alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These additions will elevate your dessert while adding layers of flavor that complement the cake’s rich profile.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using). Sprinkle this mixture over the cake batter in the pan.

Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Cardamom Apple Cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storage and Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing your Cardamom Apple Cake is easy. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve its freshness longer, you can refrigerate it, though it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy a slice again, and you’ll find that the flavors remain just as delightful.

Variations to Try

While this recipe highlights cardamom and apples, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Try adding nuts like pecans or almonds for an added crunch, or incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the classic recipe.

You can also substitute different fruits depending on the season. Pears, for instance, can replace apples for a equally delicious cake that brings its own distinct flavor. The key is to maintain the moisture content of the cake, so adjust the quantities as needed.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches would also work well in this recipe.

→ How should I store the cake?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cardamom Apple Cake

Enjoy the warm flavors of cardamom and sweet apples in this delightful cake, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

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

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

Step 05

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using). Sprinkle this mixture over the cake batter in the pan.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 3g