That sounds like a bit of a grandiose statement doesn't it? It's true though. I think about recipes before I sleep and sometimes in my dreams I can taste what it is that I am trying to make. An Apple Cake has always sounded so appealing to me, an unfussy one that you can bake with the kids or at a moments notice for your evening tea. I have made them before too - ones that were too cinnamon-y, too tough, not enough apple, too much apple and so on and so forth. This Apple Snack Cake is none of those things, it tastes exactly like I dreamt it would.
And yes, I actually dreamt the right combination of ingredients and flavours!
Now as you all may know I am not spice shy. I like cinnamon and have used it in bakes before like this Walnut Crumb Cake. The thing with Apples is that while cinnamon pairs well it can sometimes over power. What I really wanted was to be able to taste the apple itself. To balance the flavours a little this recipe uses half a teaspoon of cinnamon and then something a little different.
The Secret Ingredient
Cardamom. ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom. If you have it, please do add it.
The amount is low and as it bakes that flavour mellows into just another beautiful note in your cake. No one is likely to take a bite and bellow "is that cardamom in there?" Instead you will take a bite of this lovely tender cake with it's well rounded flavours and sigh in that way that makes you never ever want to share it. Folks as many of you know I give away treats often in an attempt to exercise moderation. Never has it been harder than when I gave this cake away.
What Apples Should You Use?
For this cake I used Golden Delicious apples - they are my favourite for baking because they tend to hold their shape and are sweet but not overly so. This is a sweet cake for sure so if you like Granny Smith apples (the decidedly green kind) then you can absolutely make the switch. Keep me posted on how it turns out by commenting below, tagging me on Instagram (@flourandspiceblog) or rating the recipe on the recipe card below. Happy Baking friends!
Apple Snack Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 6 tbsp butter (85g) room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (see notes)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (¾ if you like stronger cinnamon flavour)
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional, but highly recommended)
Topping
- ½ tbsp coarse sugar
- pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Lightly Grease a 9*9 pan and preheat your oven to 350 F
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside
- Beat the butter and sugar until it's well combined, 2-3 minutes
- Add the eggs one by one, beat for a minute between each addition
- Now add in the Vanilla Extract, beat for 30 seconds
- Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk until just combined. Do not over beat!
- Fold in the chopped apples
- Spread the batter out in your pan
- Mix the coarse sugar and cinnamom together and sprinkle over top
- Bake for 22-26 minutes, start checking on the cake at the 22 minute mark, a skewer inserted in the middle will come out clean.
Notes
Don't forget to save the cake for later by pinning it below!
Mahvish says
Hi Sarah, made this lovely recipe today, and it turned out great, as all your recipes do! Delish, easy to put together. I’d add more apples next time! Thank you!!
Sarah Mir says
Thank you mahvish!
sanna says
this was my go-to cake during lockdown
I need to make it again soon
soooo good
Sarah Mir says
what a lovely thing to hear! thank you!
Afsheen says
Thank you for yet another awesome recipe, Sarah! We had a ton of apples from apple-picking this year, and wanted to make something other than my usual apple crumble. This cake came together so quickly, and had the house smelling so lovely when it was in the oven! We loved it! It was delicious and comforting, yet not too rich! It went so nicely with a cup of tea or coffee. Thanks again for another fool-proof recipe! Bless you!
Sarah Mir says
What a lovely comment to read! Thank you Afsheen for making it and for this review! Makes the heart glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Atiqa says
I have made this cake multiple times now for family, friends and work related pot lucks and it has been a super hit each time. Very easy to make and always comes out perfect. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Sarah Mir says
SO happy to hear that Atiqa! Thank you!!!
Haniya Nadeem says
Excellent taste and perfect recipe. It turns out gteat every time.
Sarah Mir says
That is wonderful to hear! Thank you for your review!
Fatima says
Absolutely loved and loved this apple cake...seriously, I never thought it would turn this amazing. Thank you for your recipe
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
I am so glad to hear that! thank you for sharing!
Hareem says
Loved it. So moist and soft. Great subtle balanced flavours and so light. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thank you Hareem! I am SO SO glad you liked it!!!
Hareem Haris says
Really really nice. Great subtle flavours. Moist and light. Loved it. Thanks for sharing this recipe 😊
Amina says
The best apple cake around! So moist and delicious.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thanks Amina!!!
Susan A says
The Apple cake turned out amazing! Loved the recipe Sarah, the crunchy topping was too good.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thank you so very much for trying it Susan and for your gorgeous photos!
M A says
It turned out great. Not too sweet and is perfect with a cup of afternoon tea. Toddler approved it too 😊
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
That's awesome to hear Mashal!!! Thank you!
Huda says
Hey Sara.
Looks so tempting. I have been thinking to bake it ever since you've posted it but I'm not sure if my kids would eat with apple chunks. Can we put apple puree instead of sliced? Do let me know. I would be waiting for your reply.
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Hi Huda!!! So I HIGHLY recommend trying it with Apples first, but if you feel like the kids won't eat it then just skip them entirely. No need to add applesauce 🙂