If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of fall with a moist, tender crumb, this Apple Almond Cake Recipe is a must-try. It effortlessly brings together the natural sweetness of golden apples and the rich, nutty undertones of ground almonds, all enhanced by the subtle spice of cinnamon and the deep notes of pure maple syrup. This cake isn’t just about taste; its beautiful texture and inviting aroma make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a cozy treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single-layer round cake with a light brown color and a smooth, creamy icing that drips gently over the edges. The cake sits on a white cake stand with a simple design. In front of the cake, on a white marbled surface, there are whole almonds scattered and a fresh red apple with a green leaf. Behind the cake, there are more apples and kitchen items like a black metal container and jars blurred out, creating a cozy atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Apple Almond Cake Recipe plays an essential role, adding not just flavor but also texture and balance. The combination is simple yet powerful, ensuring a cake that’s both moist and full of character.

Whole raw unsalted almonds: These are finely ground to bring a delicate nutty flavor and a lovely bite to the cake.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender.
White whole-wheat flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and wholesome texture without overpowering the cake.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly with a light, airy texture.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balance of the flavors.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Pure maple syrup (dark or amber): The star sweetener that infuses the cake with a complex, deep sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it ensures a moist, tender crumb.
Gold apples: Peeled and diced, they add bursts of juicy sweetness and texture throughout the cake.
Confectioners sugar: For the smooth, lightly sweet glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness in the glaze with a gentle tang.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice to the glaze for that classic autumn touch.

How to Make Apple Almond Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s key to get the temperature right for even baking. Then, generously coat a 9-inch spring-form pan with cooking spray so the cake releases easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Grinding the Almonds and Mixing Dry Ingredients

Start by placing the whole raw unsalted almonds in a food processor equipped with a steel blade. Pulse them for about 20 to 30 seconds until finely ground — this will provide the lovely nutty texture without any large chunks. Next, add the all-purpose flour, white whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Pulse just enough to combine everything evenly without over-processing.

Step 3: Whisking Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with 1 cup of pure maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Gradually pour in the melted and cooled unsalted butter, whisking continuously to incorporate it fully. This step creates a luscious base for your batter that promises a moist cake.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures and Adding Apples

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the almond and flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix — just stir until everything is combined. Then, fold in the peeled and diced gold apples, which will add bursts of juicy sweetness as the cake bakes.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared spring-form pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 44 to 48 minutes. How do you know it’s ready? The cake will spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs sticking to it but no raw batter. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Preparing and Applying the Glaze

While the cake cools, stir together the confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon to create a smooth, flavorful glaze. Run a knife along the edges of the cake, carefully removing the sides of the spring-form pan. Spread the glaze evenly over the top, letting it set before serving.

How to Serve Apple Almond Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Begin with simple garnishes to highlight the cake’s natural charm. Consider a light sprinkling of toasted almond slices over the glaze for added crunch and visual appeal. A few thin apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon can also enhance the presentation and aroma.

Side Dishes

This Apple Almond Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a warmer option, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can elevate the experience. A cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee completes the perfect serving combination.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, serve slices of this cake on pretty dessert plates with a small sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers to add color and charm. You can stack smaller pieces as mini layers with extra glaze in between for a fun twist. Even individual ramekins filled with the cake and topped with glaze make for a personalized treat everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake can be stored easily in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to keep the butter and glaze fresh, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavors and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Apple Almond Cake Recipe for longer storage. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive your cake after refrigeration or freezing, warm individual slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until just heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the cake. Reheating enhances the flavors and softens the glaze, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almonds with another nut?

Absolutely! While almonds are the star here, you can experiment with walnuts or pecans for a different but still delicious nutty depth. Just be sure to finely grind them for the best texture.

Do I have to use maple syrup, or can I use honey?

Maple syrup provides a unique flavor that complements the apples perfectly, but honey can be used as a substitute. Expect a slightly different sweetness and aroma, but it will still be delightful.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples ensures a tender cake texture without any tough or bitter skin bits. However, if you prefer a bit more rustic texture and extra fiber, you can leave the peel on after washing the apples thoroughly.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours with a certified gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly depending on the blend used.

How long can the glazed apple almond cake sit out?

Because of the butter and glaze, it’s best not to leave the cake out for more than two days. Storing it in an airtight container or lightly covered with plastic wrap will help maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Almond Cake Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The careful balance of sweet apples, nutty almonds, and rich maple syrup creates a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both elegant and homey. I can’t recommend it enough—bake a batch today, and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!