awesome apple almond cake

There’s no shortage of recipes featured online these days. Sometimes, there are so many paraded in front of us on social media …it’s a bit overwhelming. Then, that one photo catches your eye and you’re so grateful. This Awesome Apple Almond Cake has been recreated in my kitchen countless time because of one of those eye-catching photos. 

I’m a huge fan of FOOD52. It is the supreme food blog! The recipes featured are vast and varied …collected from cooks of every level of expertise. This recipe for Apple Almond Cake spoke to me. Not only is it posted on FOOD52 but it is also featured in a wonderful cookbook, Classic German Baking by the same author, Luisa Weiss. I had no choice but to give it a try. 

awesome apple almond cake

Who doesn’t love a good piece of apple cake? This one takes it to a new level. That combination of  apple, lemon and almond is simply delicious.

  • Before we get started on the actual cake, it’s a good idea to get your pan prepared.
  • For the beauty that I’m presenting here, you’ll be using a 9-inch springform pan.
  • The inside of the pan is generously buttered then the bottom of the pan is lined with parchment paper.
  • You could use a precut parchment round if you have one or you can make your own.
  • It couldn’t be easier. Place your pan on top of a larger piece of parchment paper.
  • Hold it in place as you trace around the base with a pencil.
  • Carefully cut the round of paper inside the pencil markings so that none of those pencil marks end up in the pan.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

I had originally posted this recipe on the blog almost four years ago when I was a total newbie. When I looked back on the post, I realized that I didn’t include nearly as much detail as I should have.

And my photos! Let’s just say that I’ve been working on improving those! What we have here is my new and improved version of a timeless recipe.

Let’s talk apples…

Not only are the apples artfully arranged on top of this beauty …their chunky counterparts are generously folded into the batter. If you’re not a fan of apples, this may not be for you.

For this presentation, I chose granny smith apples. They are on the tart side which works out well when partnered with the sweetness of the cake batter. More importantly, they hold up well during the baking process.

Depending on what apple dish you are making, it really does matter what variety you choose. 

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

The prepared apples are bathed in lemon juice, which keeps them from browning, then put aside while you work on the cake batter.

What is almond paste?

If you’re not familiar with almond paste, you’re not alone. Unless you’ve done a fair amount of baking, you’ve probably not had the need for it. It is made from ground almonds along with an equal amount of sugar. Small amounts of oil, egg, heavy cream or sugar are sometimes added as a binder. It is similar to marzipan but has a coarser texture.

Almond paste is typically used as a filling in pastries and is a wonderful addition to the flavor and texture of this apple cake. You can find almond paste in most markets in the baking aisle.

The paste typically is shaped in the form of a tube. It has to be broken down by shredding it so that it can be blended in with the melted butter. I normally use this widely available brand of almond paste when needed but be cautious if you are gluten-intolerant. This one definitely is NOT gluten-free. 

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

  • Blend the almond paste, salt and melted butter until smooth.
  • Add the sugar and extract, beating until well incorporated.
  • Then add the eggs, one at a time …beating well after each addition.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

The batter is almost done.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients.
  • Add that to the almond batter and beat until blended. 

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

Remember that bowl of apple chunks that you put aside?

  • It’s now time to gently fold them into the batter.
  • Once mixed, pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Smooth the top so that the apple wedges have a flat surface to lie on.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

Time for the crowning glory.

  • Grab those reserved apple slices and arrange them in concentric rings on top of the batter.
  • Start off with the outer ring then fill in the center with the remaining slices.
  • If you find that you are short on slices, grab a few that may be a bit thicker and slice them down the middle to add a few extra pieces.

When you’re happy with the pattern, gently push down on the apples with the flat of your hand so that they are anchored but not submerged.

awesome apple almond cake

While this is baking, your kitchen will smell heavenly. And when this creation comes out of the oven, you’ll be so impressed with yourself.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

But, wait. It gets better.

The hot apricot glaze gets brushed on as a finishing touch. Perfection.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake

This Awesome Apple Almond Cake is especially delicious while still a bit warm.

Can be enjoyed as a dessert or a mid-afternoon snack.

Or offered as part of your brunch spread. Actually, any time of day. Enjoy.

awesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cakeawesome apple almond cake 

awesome apple almond cake

From The Wednesday Chef on FOOD52

Super moist with full-flavored hits from almond, lemon & loads of apples.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 12
Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

  • 6 small granny smith apples, divided (1 3/4 pounds)
  • juice of one lemon, divided
  • 7 ounces almond paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted & cooled (plus more for pan)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (177 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups scooped & leveled all-purpose flour, minus 1 tbsp. (133 grams)
  • 9 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (90 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.   Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.   Butter the sides of the pan.

  2. Peel, halve, and core 3 of the apples, and cut each half into 6 even slices.  Toss the apple slices with half of the lemon juice and set aside.

  3. Peel, halve, and core the remaining apples.   Cut into 1/3-inch dice.  Toss with the remaining lemon juice and set aside.

  4. Grate the almond paste and place it in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater attachment.  Add the salt and melted butter; beat for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth.  Then beat in the sugar and almond extract.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch and baking powder.  Add to the almond batter and beat until well blended.  Then fold in the diced apples.  Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Distribute the sliced apples decoratively in concentric rings on the top of the cake.  Then, using the flat of your hand, gently push the apples into the batter; they should not be submerged, just lightly anchored.

  6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.  Remove the pan from the oven and place on a rack to cool.

  7. Immediately heat the apricot jam over medium-high heat until just bubbling.  Brush a thin layer of the hot jam over the still-hot cake.  Let cool completely before removing the springform ring.  The cake will keep at room temperature, lightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for several days.

Awesome Apple Almond Cake

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally experienced all of these products, and I recommend them because I have found them to be of superior quality. We appreciate your support.

Love apples?

camembert burgers with sautéed applesCinnamon Swirl Apple Piesauerkraut with bacon & sautéed apples

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating