1. Can I make the Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can bake it the day before and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

2. Can I substitute the cognac in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use cognac, you can substitute it with other spirits such as rum, bourbon, or even apple cider. Each will add a slightly different depth of flavor, but all will complement the apples and cardamom beautifully.

3. What other apples can I use for this cake?

While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with other varieties such as Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. Just be sure to use a crisp apple that holds up well during baking.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help provide structure and texture similar to regular flour

Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake

Name: Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cognac (or substitute with rum or bourbon); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 3 medium Honeycrisp apples; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan; 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar; Confectioners sugar for dusting

Description

This Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake is the perfect fall dessert, blending the richness of cognac and spices with the sweet flavor of Honeycrisp apples. The cake has a moist, pudding-like texture and is subtly spiced with cardamom, creating a warm, cozy treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cognac (or substitute with rum or bourbon)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
3 medium Honeycrisp apples
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Confectioners sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch cast iron skillet with butter and line it with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour, cardamom, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy, then whisk in the sugar, cognac, and vanilla extract.
Pour in the buttermilk and whisk until smooth.
Fold in half of the flour mixture, then add half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and butter.
Fold in the cubed apples, then transfer the batter to the prepared skillet.
Arrange apple slices on top in a circular pattern and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
Ensure that the buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
Try serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 427 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg