This Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake is a fragrant delight! With juicy apples, nutty almonds, and a hint of warm cardamom, it’s perfect for any occasion.
The best part? It’s gluten-free and simple to make! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweetness. If they’re not available, Braeburn or Honeycrisp work too. Just stay away from overly sweet apples like Red Delicious!
Ground Almonds: Using almond meal gives a lovely nutty flavor and texture. If someone has nut allergies, you can use ground sunflower seeds or oat flour as an alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly!
Cardamom: Ground cardamom adds warmth and a unique taste. You can substitute with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg if cardamom isn’t at hand, but the flavor will be different. Just use a little less to keep it balanced.
Sugar: Caster sugar blends smoothly in the batter. If you want a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, keeping in mind that sweetness levels may vary.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Has the Right Texture?
The key to getting the right texture for this flourless cake is to properly whisk the eggs and sugar. This step adds air to the mixture, making it light and fluffy.
- Whisk until the mixture is pale and frothy—about 5-7 minutes is usually enough!
- Gently fold in the other ingredients to keep the air in. Avoid vigorous mixing!
When baking, don’t panic if it looks undercooked at first; it will firm up as it cools. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 200g (about 2 cups) ground almonds (almond meal)
- 150g (3/4 cup) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture – it’s still flourless)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Slivered almonds for topping
- Icing sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 45-50 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes of mostly hands-off time, making it a perfect dessert to whip up for friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes—don’t rush this step; it adds air to your cake!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Gently fold in the ground almonds, ground cardamom, and baking powder (if you’re using it). Then add in the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and the vanilla extract. Mix carefully until everything is well combined but be careful not to deflate the mixture!
4. Add Apples to the Batter:
Take two of your sliced apples and gently fold them into the batter. These will add sweetness and moisture to the cake.
5. Pour Batter into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. It should be light and fluffy!
6. Arrange Remaining Apples:
Thinly slice the remaining two apples and arrange them in a beautiful circular pattern on top of the batter. This not only looks pretty but adds extra flavor.
7. Garnish with Slivered Almonds:
Sprinkle some slivered almonds on top of the arranged apple slices for a lovely crunch!
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. A skewer inserted into the center should come out mostly clean—just a few moist crumbs are okay.
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep your cake from becoming soggy.
10. Dust and Serve:
Before serving, dust the top with icing sugar for a nice finish. This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with some whipped cream or yogurt if you like!
This cake is a wonderful, moist, tender, and aromatic treat with the sweetness of apples, nuttiness from almonds, and the warm scent of cardamom. Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar for This Cake?
Absolutely! While caster sugar is preferred for its fine texture, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or brown sugar. Just remember that the cake may take on a slightly different flavor and color, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Replace the Eggs for a Vegan Version?
Yes, you can replace each egg with a chia or flaxseed egg! To make a flaxegg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the cake without using eggs.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Yes! While this recipe highlights apples, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just slice them thinly and fold them into the batter similarly. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it will still taste great!