Almond Apple Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of fresh apples and toasted almonds. The cake is rich, tender, and aromatic, with a subtle sweetness that comes from both the apples and almond flour. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting treat during any season. The addition of ground almonds creates a lovely texture and adds depth to the flavor profile of this cake.
Ingredients:
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup almond flour (or ground almonds)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
¼ cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in most of the apple slices, reserving a few to place on top of the cake.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Arrange the reserved apple slices on top of the cake batter, and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Description:
This Almond Apple Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The apples keep the cake moist, while the almond flour gives it a rich texture and subtle nuttiness. The sliced almonds on top add a nice crunch and extra flavor. With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this cake is both comforting and indulgent, and it makes a great dessert for any season.
Tips:
Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape while baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, so they won’t turn mushy during baking.
For Extra Moisture: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter to make the cake even more moist.
Serve Warm: This cake is delicious when served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Variations:
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients for a more spiced flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the baking powder is gluten-free.
Nuts and Dried Fruit: Mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the cooled cake with warm caramel sauce or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Correction:
If the cake turns out too dense, it could be from overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
If the top of the cake is browning too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the cake is fully cooked.
Enjoy:
Enjoy this delightful Almond Apple Cake as a perfect treat with coffee or tea. It’s sure to impress family and friends with its rich flavor and comforting textures. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply as a weeknight dessert, this cake is always a hit!