Apple Cardamom Cake – Best Dessert

Apple Cardamom Cake is a warm, spiced dessert that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall baking. With tender grated apples, earthy cardamom, and a decadent caramel pecan butter frosting, this cake is an irresistible crowd-pleaser for the holiday season or any chilly evening. Whether served fresh or chilled from the fridge, its soft texture and rich layers make it a favorite seasonal treat.

Why This Apple Cardamom Cake Is the Perfect Autumn Dessert

What sets this Apple Cardamom Cake apart is its moist texture, rich spices, and luxurious frosting. Oil replaces butter in the batter, helping the cake retain its softness—even when stored in the fridge. Ground cardamom adds a warm, citrusy spice that elevates the flavor profile, while grated apples offer moisture and a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with roasted pecans and cinnamon. The rich caramel pecan butter frosting transforms the cake into a festive centerpiece.

This cake is ideal for dinner parties, Thanksgiving, or simply as a homemade indulgence for your family. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of cardamom and cinnamon as it bakes—pure comfort food.

Ingredients That Make This Apple Cardamom Cake

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Provide rise and fluffiness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
• Ground cardamom: Delivers a unique citrusy, floral spice that defines the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Offer sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Corn or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Sour cream: Enhances richness and texture.
• Grated apples: Provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Chopped roasted pecans: Add crunch and nutty richness.

For the caramel:
• Heavy cream: Provides a creamy base.
• Granulated sugar: Caramelizes into golden sweetness.
• Butter: Adds silkiness and flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

For the butter frosting:
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, creamy base.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Condensed milk or dulce de leche: Adds richness and smoothness.
• Cinnamon: Ties the frosting flavors back to the cake.
• Caramel sauce: Adds depth and a luxurious finish.

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

• Apples: Pears or zucchini can replace apples for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Cardamom: Use allspice or nutmeg if cardamom isn’t available—though cardamom is key to the cake’s signature flavor.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt works well as a tangy alternative.
• Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can substitute if needed.
• Condensed milk: Swap for dulce de leche or a homemade caramel sauce for a richer frosting.
• Gluten-free flour blend: A suitable alternative for those avoiding gluten, just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking mix.

How to Make Apple Cardamom Cake with Caramel Pecan Butter Frosting

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add brown sugar, oil, and sour cream while continuing to beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Once incorporated, fold in the grated apples and chopped pecans.
5. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans, then divide the batter evenly between them.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before assembling.

For the caramel sauce:
7. Preheat the cream (do not boil). In a saucepan, gradually melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently.
8. Once melted, add the butter, then slowly pour in the warm cream while stirring. Add a pinch of salt and set aside to cool.

For the frosting:
9. In a bowl, beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add icing sugar.
10. Add condensed milk, cinnamon, and a few tablespoons of the caramel sauce. Continue beating until smooth and creamy.

To assemble the cake:
11. Trim the tops of the cake layers if needed. Place the first layer on a cake stand, spread frosting, and top with pecans.
12. Add the second layer (upside down), spread caramel and frosting, then sprinkle with more pecans.
13. Repeat with the third layer. Cover the cake with remaining frosting.
14. Chill the cake briefly, then pipe decorative swirls on top and drizzle with caramel. Garnish with pecans.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cardamom Cake

• Use freshly ground cardamom for the most robust flavor.
• Grate apples finely and drain well to prevent a soggy cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients—mix just until combined.
• Let the cake cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
• Make the caramel ahead of time so it’s cooled and ready for frosting.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Serve with spiced chai tea or apple cider for a perfect fall pairing.
• Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• For a spicier version, increase cinnamon and add a pinch of clove or nutmeg.
• To make it ahead, store the baked layers and frosting separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the cake on the day of serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Why Apple and Cardamom Work So Well Together

Cardamom brings a unique flavor profile—floral, citrusy, and slightly peppery—that enhances the natural sweetness of apples. This combination is not only comforting but also aromatic, making it ideal for fall. The balance of spices, textures, and sweetness in this Apple Cardamom Cake makes it more than just a dessert—it’s a sensory experience that smells like fall and tastes like home.

A Cozy Cake That Celebrates Fall’s Best Flavors

If you’re searching for the ultimate autumn dessert, look no further than this Apple Cardamom Cake. Richly spiced, delightfully moist, and layered with velvety caramel pecan butter frosting, this cake is everything we love about fall in one show-stopping bite. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or treating yourself to a cozy evening, this cake’s balance of warmth, sweetness, and texture delivers every time. With its nostalgic aroma and inviting flavors, Apple Cardamom Cake deserves a permanent spot in your seasonal recipe rotation.

FAQ About Apple Cardamom Cake

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Apple Cobbler
• Autumn Cheesecake
• Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

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