This Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of almond flour with the natural sweetness of fresh apples. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with a crunchy almond glaze, this cake offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy afternoon tea or as a stunning dessert at a gathering, this cake is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, irresistibly moist, and full of warmth and comfort!
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Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping
- Total Time: 1 hours
- Yield: Serves 10 slices 1x
Description
This almond apple cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of almond flour with the natural sweetness of apples. The cake is moist, fragrant, and features a crunchy almond topping that adds texture and flavor with every bite. Topped with a smooth almond glaze, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet dessert after dinner. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home, this almond apple cake is sure to impress. The balance of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the nutty almond flavor makes it a truly comforting dessert. It’s an easy recipe that will bring joy to anyone who enjoys homemade cakes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour = 180g
- 1 cup almond flour = 96g
- 1 teaspoon baking powder = 4g
- ½ teaspoon baking soda = 2g
- ½ teaspoon salt = 2.5g
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon = 2.6g
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg = 1.3g
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) = 115g
- ¾ cup brown sugar = 150g
- 2 large eggs = 120g (approx. 60g per egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract = 4g
- ½ teaspoon almond extract = 2g
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream) = 120g
- ½ cup milk = 120g
- 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced) = 300g (approximately 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup sliced almonds = 50g
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar = 120g
- 2 tablespoons milk (or apple juice) = 30g
- ½ teaspoon almond extract = 2g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Incorporate the yogurt and milk: Mix in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and milk until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the cake for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the almond glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or apple juice), and almond extract until smooth and drizzly.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the almond glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute sour cream for the Greek yogurt.
- For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider adding a few extra drops of almond extract to the batter.
- You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the ratios for your specific blend.
- For added texture, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds to the top of the cake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: almond apple cake, moist apple cake, almond cake, cake with crunchy topping, apple dessert, easy almond cake, fall dessert
How to Serve Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping:
- Serving Temperature: This cake can be served warm or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can lightly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Topping Suggestions: A drizzle of the almond glaze adds sweetness and a glossy finish. For extra flair, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of extra toasted almonds.
- Pairing: Pair this almond apple cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. It’s also a lovely dessert for fall and winter gatherings or holiday celebrations.
How to Store Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep it moist and fresh.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it for 20-30 seconds.
Tips to Make Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping:
- Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples will hold their shape during baking and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and dairy (milk and yogurt) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Optional Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, you can mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the apples or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
- Toasted Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the cake batter will bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. You can toast them by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Variations of Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping:
- Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure the flour blend is appropriate for baking to maintain texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and opt for dairy-free yogurt or sour cream. Replace butter with a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Vegan Version: To make this cake vegan, swap the eggs for a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg), and use plant-based yogurt and milk.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a bit of ground ginger and cloves to the dry ingredients for a deeper spice profile, making this cake even more aromatic and perfect for fall.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can use all almond flour for a completely gluten-free cake. However, if using only almond flour, the texture may change, and the cake might be denser. You can experiment with different ratios of almond flour and all-purpose flour to find the texture you prefer.
2. How can I make this cake ahead of time?
- This almond apple cake keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container to let the flavors develop. The almond glaze can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Ready to indulge in this Moist and Fragrant Almond Apple Cake with a Crunchy Topping? Try this easy-to-make recipe today and treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort! Don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media – we’d love to see how it turns out. Happy baking!