This Apple and Almond Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with the rich nuttiness of almonds. The cake is incredibly moist and soft, with a light, buttery crumb that’s complemented by a crunchy topping of sliced almonds. As it bakes, the cake fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, and the combination of tender apple pieces and crisp almond topping makes every bite a true delight. This cake is perfect on its own or served with whipped cream, ice cream, or a simple apple compote.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love this Apple and Almond Cake for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, tender crumb contrasts beautifully with the crisp almond topping, while the apples provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon. The cake is easy to make and requires simple ingredients, yet it delivers a sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is a true comfort food.
Perfect Occasion:
This Apple and Almond Cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a comforting dessert after dinner, or a sweet treat for brunch. It’s a great choice for autumn and winter when apples are in season, but it’s delicious any time of year. The cake also makes a wonderful addition to holiday dessert tables or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Its rustic appearance and inviting flavors make it a hit at any gathering.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for a sweet, tangy finish. If you’re serving the cake with apple compote, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Present the cake on a simple cake stand or platter to let its natural beauty shine.
Ingredients:
- 140 g softened butter
- 200 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 225 g all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 120 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 50 g sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss the apple pieces with the ground cinnamon and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and flour a 20 cm round cake pan with a removable bottom.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, salt, and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until you have a smooth batter. Finally, gently fold in the baking powder.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Scatter the cinnamon-coated apple pieces over the batter, then cover with the remaining batter, spreading it gently to ensure all the apples are covered.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Bake the cake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the almonds lightly toasted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, with or without the suggested accompaniments.
Optional Notes:
- Serve the cake with whipped cream and a simple apple-cinnamon compote for an extra special touch. To make the compote, cook 2 diced apples with 70 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a splash of water over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the apples are soft.
- This cake is also delicious when served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.
Enjoy!