Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - warm, spicy, and utterly comforting. These Apple Cardamom Cakes are not just another recipe; they're a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. With the exotic warmth of cardamom and the sweet, tangy notes of fresh apples, this dessert is about to become your new obsession. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a treat that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the apple cider icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cider or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the apple cider icing over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
- Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake into 12 servings. Serve and enjoy your delicious Apple Cardamom Cakes with Apple Cider Icing!
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- For extra flavor, toast your cardamom briefly before grinding to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- Let the cake cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Experiment with icing consistency: Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more apple cider for a thinner drizzle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
