This Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake is a warm hug in dessert form! It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with sweet apples and crunchy almonds, topped off with a hint of cardamom spice.
Making this cake is a breeze! I love how the ingredients mix together easily without any flour fuss. Plus, it’s perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and delicious. 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith are my go-to for their tartness, balancing the sweetness. You can use Braeburn or Honeycrisp too! If they’re out of season, try pears for a different flavor.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness! If you’re allergic to citrus, apple cider vinegar can work too—just a dash will do!
Almond Meal: For a nut-free option, use oat flour. It will slightly change the texture, but it still holds well. Ground walnuts or hazelnuts are delicious too!
Cardamom: If you can’t find cardamom, try cinnamon or nutmeg instead. They won’t be the same, but they’ll still bring warmth and comfort to the cake!
How Do I Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks?
Achieving stiff peaks is crucial for a light and fluffy cake. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
- Start on low speed to break down the egg whites, then gradually increase to medium-high speed.
- Once soft peaks form (when the beaters are lifted and peaks bend slightly), add sugar slowly until stiff peaks form. Peaks should stand straight up when the beaters are lifted.
Feeling nervous? It’s okay! Just take your time, and you’ll get there.
Flourless Apple, Almond & Cardamom Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (200g) almond meal (finely ground almonds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds, for topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Butter or oil, for greasing the cake pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus another 45-55 minutes for baking. After baking, let it cool for a bit before serving. The total time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform or round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to make sure the cake comes out easily later.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, half of the ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt. This will add flavor and prevent the apples from browning. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
3. Beat the Egg Whites:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add half of the sugar and keep beating until stiff peaks form. This helps make the cake light and fluffy!
4. Whisk the Egg Yolks:
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and thick. This will give your cake a rich flavor.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the almond meal, remaining cardamom, and a pinch of salt into the yolk mixture until just combined.
6. Mix in the Egg Whites:
Carefully fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture to lighten it up. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain. Be gentle, as you want to keep the batter airy!
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a nice base for your apple topping.
8. Add the Apple Slices:
Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a decorative pattern—make it pretty! This is the star of your cake.
9. Top with Sliced Almonds:
Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the apples. They’ll toast beautifully while baking, adding a nice crunch!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important to ensure it sets properly.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar to give it a lovely finish. Then, slice and enjoy!
This moist and fragrant flourless cake is a perfect combo of apple sweetness, nutty almond texture, and exotic cardamom aroma. Enjoy every bite! 🍏✨
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Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Braeburn are great choices, you can use any firm, sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the cake!
Can I Substitute the Almond Meal?
Yes, you can substitute almond meal with oat flour for a gluten-free option or use finely ground walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. Keep in mind that a nut-free cake can be made by using oat flour, but it may have a slightly different texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Certainly! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Just dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep it looking fresh and inviting!
