Cardamom Cake with Fresh Apples

This cardamom cake with fresh apples is moist, fragrant, and full of comforting flavors. I love how the warm spice of cardamom pairs with the natural sweetness of apples, creating a cake that’s both cozy and elegant. The crackly sugar topping gives it just the right amount of crunch, making it perfect for tea time or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cake because it’s simple to make yet feels special. The apples bake into the batter, keeping the cake tender and moist, while the cardamom adds a unique, aromatic touch. I also like how versatile it is I can serve it as a sweet breakfast, a snack with coffee, or a lovely dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom (or sub cinnamon)
3 honey crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced (1/4-inch thick), no need to peel, but feel free to. Use baking apples: Honeycrisp apples (my favorite), gala, honey-gold apples, golden delicious, pink lady, and red delicious. I used apples that were 4 inches in diameter.
2 tablespoons demerara sugar, or regular sugar for the crackly top.
Optional: sprinkle the top with fresh grated nutmeg before baking.

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a round cake pan.
2. I cream together the butter, olive oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
5. I gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. I pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out evenly.
7. I arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter, slightly overlapping them.
8. I sprinkle the demerara sugar (and nutmeg if using) over the apples.
9. I bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This cake serves 8–10 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready in just over an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the cardamom for cinnamon or use a blend of warm spices like nutmeg and cloves. If I want extra texture, I sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top before baking. I’ve also tried using pears instead of apples for a delicious twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or enjoy them at room temperature. This cake also freezes well—I wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, I like Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious for baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, I leave the peel on for texture, but peeling works too if I prefer.

Can I substitute cinnamon for cardamom?

Yes, cinnamon works well if I don’t have cardamom on hand.

What type of pan should I use?

I usually use a 9-inch round cake pan, but a springform pan works nicely too.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I bake it a day before and store it covered it stays moist and flavorful.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, I sometimes cut back slightly, but the crackly top works best with sugar sprinkled on.

How do I know when the cake is done?

I test it with a toothpick it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

What can I serve with this cake?

I like it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I freeze apple cake?

Yes, I freeze it in slices wrapped tightly, then thaw at room temperature when needed.

Conclusion

This cardamom cake with fresh apples is one of my favorite bakes for when I want something comforting yet elegant. The tender crumb, fragrant spice, and sweet apple topping make it irresistible. I love serving it warm with a dusting of sugar for a treat that feels both rustic and refined.

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