Introduction
There are some cakes that surprise you the moment you take the first bite. Apple Prune Cardamom Cake is exactly that kind of cake. 🍎✨
I still remember the first time I baked it — it was a chilly autumn afternoon, the kind where the air smells faintly of woodsmoke and you want something warm and spiced in the oven. I stumbled upon this recipe tucked inside my grandmother’s old cookbook, scribbled with notes in the margins. At first, I hesitated. Apples and prunes? With cardamom? But the moment that golden cake emerged, filling the kitchen with the scent of warm spice and caramelized fruit, I knew it was going to be special.
This cake is moist, elegantly spiced, and just sweet enough to let the apples and prunes shine. The cardamom gives it a subtle floral warmth that makes it stand out from traditional apple cakes. It’s perfect for tea time, holiday brunches, or any time you want to bake something memorable.
Let’s make it together — it’s simpler than it sounds, and the result is pure magic. ✨
🧂 Ingredients
Below is everything you’ll need to bake this Apple Prune Cardamom Cake. I’ve also added some helpful substitutions so everyone can enjoy it, whether you’re looking for a healthier, vegan, or gluten-free twist.
🍰 Cake Batter
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour – swap with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for a GF version.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cardamom – freshly ground cardamom gives the best flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but lovely with apples)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – use vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free.
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – can substitute coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
- 2 large eggs – or use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for vegan.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream – use plant-based yogurt if needed.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (tart varieties like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work beautifully).
- ¾ cup (120g) pitted prunes, chopped into small pieces.
🍯 Optional Topping
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional but gives a great crunch!)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🪄 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper. This helps your Apple Prune Cardamom Cake release easily and maintain its shape.
🥄 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the spices are evenly distributed, giving the cake that warm, aromatic flavor in every bite.
🧈 Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step gives the cake a tender crumb and helps it rise evenly.
🥚 Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
🥣 Step 5: Add Yogurt & Dry Ingredients
Stir in the yogurt or sour cream. Then gently add the dry ingredients in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing — this keeps the cake soft.
🍎 Step 6: Fold in Apples & Prunes
Using a spatula, fold the diced apples and chopped prunes evenly into the batter. The prunes bring a natural sweetness and chewiness, while the apples keep the cake moist.
🌰 Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
If you’d like a sweet, crunchy top, sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts mixture over the batter before baking. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven!
🔥 Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery — spicy, sweet, and inviting.
⏳ Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level. 🍰✨
Extra Tips & Variations
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with crème fraîche, vanilla ice cream, or warm custard.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
- Top with sliced fresh apples and chopped nuts for a festive brunch centerpiece.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked flavor.
🥶 Freezing
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
🥥 Ingredient Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and yogurt with a plant-based option.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup or use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
- No Prunes? Try chopped dried figs or dates for a similar texture and sweetness.
📊 Nutritional Information
(Approximate per slice — based on NYT Cooking’s Apple Prune Cardamom Cake recipe):
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 24g
Values may vary depending on portion size and substitutions.
❓ FAQ – Apple Prune Cardamom Cake
⏱ How long does it take to make Apple Prune Cardamom Cake?
It takes about 1 hour total — 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for baking.
🥚 Can I substitute the prunes?
Yes! You can use chopped dried figs, dates, or even raisins. Each will bring a slightly different sweetness and texture.
🍎 Can I use different apple varieties?
Definitely. Granny Smith apples give a tart bite, while Gala or Honeycrisp make the cake sweeter. You can even mix two types for a more complex flavor.
🧊 Can I freeze Apple Prune Cardamom Cake?
Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving — it tastes just as good as freshly baked!
✨ Conclusion
This Apple Prune Cardamom Cake is proof that sometimes the most unexpected flavor combinations turn into the most unforgettable desserts. 🍎🌿
The apples keep it moist, the prunes add natural sweetness, and the cardamom gives it that aromatic, spiced charm that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, baking it for brunch, or simply treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this cake will win hearts and bring warmth to your table.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below, share your tweaks, or tag me on social media — I love seeing your bakes. 🍰❤️
Happy baking, friends!