Apple and cardamom cake

Apple and Cardamom Cake - a sweet, fluffy, and aromatic delight

If there is a cake that combines the warmth of autumn flavors with a light and fluffy texture, it is certainly the apple and cardamom cake. The combination of sweet apples, spicy cardamom, and an airy base makes this dessert a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you want to impress friends at a party or indulge in a sweet treat at home, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the apple filling:
- 1-1.5 kg apples (choose sweet apples like Golden or Jonathan for a richer taste)
- 7 cardamom pods (make sure to crush them to release the aromas)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 200 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 40 g butter (to sauté the apples)

For the cake base:
- 8 eggs (fresh, for better texture)
- 8 tablespoons of sugar (adds sweetness and helps form the foam)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- 8 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a special note)
- 8 tablespoons of flour (regular wheat flour is perfect)
- 2 packets of baking powder (to ensure volume and aeration)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the apple filling:
Start by peeling the apples and grating them. Then, in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, and crushed cardamom seeds. Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the apples soften and become juicy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the filling cool.

2. Preparing the base:
Begin by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until a shiny foam forms. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil. When the egg whites are ready, pour the yolk mixture over them.

3. Incorporating the flour:
Sift the flour with the baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to avoid losing the air from the egg whites. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base, so be patient and don’t rush the process.

4. Baking the bases:
Divide the mixture into two equal parts. Pour the first half into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.

5. Adding the filling:
After the first part of the base is baked, remove the tray from the oven and evenly spread the apple filling over it. Then, pour the remaining base mixture over the filling and return the tray to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. When the cake is golden brown and baked, remove it and let it cool slightly.

6. Finishing and serving:
Once the cake has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. You can also add a few apple slices or a drizzle of vanilla syrup for extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- Use a variety of apples to achieve a range of flavors.
- If you want to enrich the cake, you can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for a few days. It can be enjoyed cold, but it’s just as delicious warm!

Nutrition:
This apple and cardamom cake is a healthier choice compared to other calorie-rich desserts, having a moderate sugar and fat content. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while cardamom adds extra benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different version.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or choose tarter apples.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? If you want a vegan version, you can use an egg replacer for each egg and coconut oil instead of butter.

This apple and cardamom cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a way to bring warmth and comfort on cooler days. Enjoy each slice alongside a cup of tea or coffee and savor the unmistakable flavors it offers!

 Ingredients: I used for the apples: 1-1.5 kg apples (depends on how much filling you want between the layers) 7 pods of cardamom cinnamon 200 g sugar 40 g butter I used for the layers: 8 eggs 8 tablespoons of sugar 2 vanilla sugars 8 tablespoons of oil 8 tablespoons of flour 2 packets of baking powder

 Tags:  apple pie