Almond and Apple Cake: A Rustic Dessert with Toasted Almonds and Sweet Apples

This Almond and Apple Cake is one of those comforting, homemade desserts that you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with no need for resting the dough or using any special equipment. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity: the tender sweetness of apples combined with the earthy, nutty flavor of toasted almonds creates a truly memorable treat. The batter is soft and malleable, allowing you to press it into the cake pan with your hands, giving it a rustic, handmade feel. With a dash of cinnamon and a hint of lemon zest, this cake comes alive with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and let each bite wrap you in a cozy embrace.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll adore this Almond and Apple Cake because it combines the best of fall flavors in an easy-to-make dessert that feels luxurious and homey at the same time. The toasted almonds bring a deep, roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart sweetness of the apples. The cake has a delicate crumb, moist from the apples and rich from the almonds, with just the right amount of spice from the cinnamon and zestiness from the lemon. Its rustic appearance adds to its charm—you don’t need to fuss over the presentation, but it still looks stunning once finished. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to accompany your afternoon coffee or something special for a family gathering, this cake will hit the mark every time.

Perfect Occasion:

This cake is ideal for casual get-togethers, afternoon teas, or family dinners when you want to serve something homemade and delicious without too much hassle. Its cozy flavors make it especially fitting for fall and winter, when apples are at their peak and you crave the warmth of cinnamon and toasted nuts. It’s also a great option for a quick midweek treat, as it comes together quickly and fills your home with delightful aromas. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Decoration Tips:

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all this cake needs to shine, but if you want to elevate its look, try adding a few toasted almond slivers on top after baking. You could also reserve a few thin slices of apple and arrange them in a decorative pattern on top of the cake before baking—this will give the cake an extra visual appeal. For a burst of freshness, a few lemon zest curls scattered over the top would also be a beautiful finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over each slice before serving for a hint of added sweetness.

Ingredients for a 22 cm (9-inch) Cake Pan:

For the Cake:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• Juice of half a lemon (to prevent apples from browning)
• 1 medium egg
• 130 g granulated sugar
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 6 g baking powder (about half a packet)
• 150 g almonds with skin, toasted and finely ground
• 150 g softened butter
• Grated zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (about 3 g)
• A pinch of salt

For Finishing:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Slice the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into thin slices.
2. Toss with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apple slices to prevent browning and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a hand whisk (or a stand mixer) to beat the softened butter with the sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg: Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, whisking until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the toasted almond powder, followed by the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Prepare the cake pan: Grease and flour a 22 cm (9-inch) round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the cake: Spread half of the batter evenly in the bottom of the pan. Arrange a layer of the sliced apples over the batter.
3. Add the remaining batter: Spread the remaining batter over the apples, using your hands or a spatula to ensure an even layer.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Dust with powdered sugar: Once the cake has cooled, generously dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful, rustic finish.
2. Serve: Slice and enjoy this delicious, nutty, and fruity cake!

Enjoy this delightful Almond and Apple Cake, a perfect blend of sweet apples and rich toasted almonds that will make every bite irresistible!