Why You’ll Love Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake Recipe
This cake is a fantastic blend of warm spices, tender apples, and nutty almonds, making it a wonderfully fragrant and satisfying dessert. The cardamom brings a subtle, aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. Not only is it flourless, making it gluten-free, but it’s also incredibly moist and light. The almond flour adds richness without being overwhelming, and the apples keep the texture moist and tender. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks beautiful once sliced, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 large apples, peeled and grated
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1 ½ cups almond flour
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1 teaspoon ground cardamom
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3 large eggs
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1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
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1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, cardamom, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Grate the apples using a box grater or food processor and stir them into the wet ingredients.
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Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional: Garnish the top of the cooled cake with chopped almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 slices
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
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Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
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Add citrus zest: For a burst of brightness, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
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Spices: Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.
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Nuts: You can add other nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a different texture.
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Vegan version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
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Frosting: For a sweeter touch, consider topping the cake with a light cream cheese frosting or whipped coconut cream.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
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Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is key to this cake’s texture, but you can try using other nut flours like hazelnut or cashew flour. However, if you’re not concerned about gluten, regular flour can be used in place of almond flour, though it will change the cake’s flavor and texture.
How do I ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
Make sure to grease your cake pan well and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. This will prevent the cake from sticking and help it come out cleanly.
Is there a substitute for honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or any sweetener of your choice. Just be aware that the flavor might change slightly depending on your choice.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake keeps well for a few days at room temperature. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, and you can also freeze it for later.
Can I use different fruits in the cake?
While apples are the star here, other fruits like pears or peaches could also work well. Just make sure they are grated or finely chopped to maintain the cake’s texture.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
The cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey. It also makes for a lovely afternoon tea treat.
Why is the texture of this cake so moist?
The combination of grated apples and almond flour keeps the cake moist. The apples release their moisture as they bake, which helps prevent the cake from drying out.
Can I add chocolate to this cake?
Yes, adding small chunks of dark chocolate or chocolate chips can be a great variation to this recipe. The richness of the chocolate will complement the other flavors perfectly.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup by 1/4 or 1/2 cup. You can always add a dusting of powdered sugar on top to adjust the sweetness after baking.
Is cardamom essential in this recipe?
Cardamom adds a unique, aromatic flavor to the cake, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or replace it with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a different spice profile.
Conclusion
This Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that will please gluten-free eaters and anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of tender apples, nutty almonds, and aromatic cardamom creates a cake that is both flavorful and moist. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for those who love a unique twist on a classic treat.
Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake
A delightful and moist cake, Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake combines the natural sweetness of apples with the richness of almonds and the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Perfect for those following gluten-free or paleo diets, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress with its delicate flavors and tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup ground almonds (almond flour)
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, almond meal, cardamom, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the melted coconut oil to the wet ingredients and mix again.
- Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Optional: top with sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- You can also add raisins or other dried fruits for an extra flavor boost.
