Unexpectedly Delicious: The Cinnamon-Infused Apple Cake

Few desserts evoke the scent of fall quite like apple cake, but this recipe takes a surprising turn with a dash of cinnamon and a hint of cardamom. It transforms the humble apple into a fragrant adventure, perfect for cozy afternoons. Baking this cake is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen every time.

What makes this apple cake stand out is its moist crumb and the burst of tart apples that contrast beautifully with the sweet cinnamon sugar glaze on top. The process is surprisingly playful — slicing apples thinly to fan out on the batter creates an elegant pattern, almost like a floral design in edible form. It’s both a feast for the senses and a testament to how simple ingredients can feel luxurious.

Apple Cake with Cinnamon and Cardamom

This apple cake combines thinly sliced tart apples layered on a moist batter, with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom baked into the crumb. The finished cake has a tender texture with a golden crust, topped with a cinnamon sugar glaze that adds sweetness and crunch. Its elegant presentation makes it both a cozy dessert and a visual delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 large tart apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar for topping

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9-inch round cake pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom in a large mixing bowl until well blended.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the melted butter and milk into the egg mixture until combined and creamy.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just blended and smooth.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Arrange the thinly sliced apples in a decorative pattern on top of the batter, fanning them out evenly across the surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the cake for a sweet, crunchy glaze.
11. Slice and serve the cake, enjoying its tender crumb, fragrant spices, and the contrast of crisp apple edges with a dusting of sweet cinnamon sugar.

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making, filled with the aroma of baking apples and spice. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially when still warm from the oven. As autumn blurs into winter, this recipe adds a touch of seasonal magic to any table.

In a season that calls for comfort and familiarity, this apple cake offers a delightful twist. It invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the small pleasures of baking. The next time you need a quick, comforting treat, this cake might just become your new favorite secret weapon.