Apple-Cardamom Cakes with Apple Cider Icing: A Cozy Fall Dessert

Moist, flavorful delights that blend fragrant warmth with a zesty sweet finish.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Moist, flavorful delights that blend fragrant warmth with a zesty sweet finish.

Apple-Cardamom Cakes with Apple Cider Icing

There is nothing quite like the scent of spiced apple cake wafting through your kitchen to usher in the fall season. Apple-cardamom cakes bring together the tart sweetness of apples, the floral warmth of cardamom, and a tangy apple cider icing for a dessert that is both comforting and elegant. Easy to make in miniature forms, these cakes are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or cozy autumn afternoons with a cup of tea.

Why This Recipe Works

Moist and Flavorful: Applesauce is the secret weapon, ensuring every bite stays tender without adding excess fat.
Warm Spices: Cardamom, often used in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern baking, adds a unique aroma and flavor that elevates the typical apple cake.
Festive Presentation: Mini cakes make for easy serving, sharing, and a charming display.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: These cakes stay moist and delicious for days, making them great for prepping ahead for gatherings.
Apple Cider Icing: The sweet-tart glaze brings out the natural fruitiness of the cake and adds a pretty finishing touch.

Ingredients: The Flavors of Autumn

This recipe uses basic pantry staples with a few flavor boosters to create a standout treat. Here are the star ingredients:

Applesauce: Preferably unsweetened, for natural apple flavor and moisture.
Cardamom: Freshly ground if possible, for a robust, floral note.
Cinnamon: Complements the cardamom and intensifies the apple flavor.
All-purpose flour: Standard flour gives these cakes their structure.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: Give rise and lightness.
Eggs: Bind and enrich the batter.
Unsalted butter: For tenderness and a rich flavor.
Apple cider: Used in the icing for a punch of fresh apple taste.
Powdered sugar: Blended with cider for the glaze.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple-Cardamom Cakes

Making these cakes is straightforward and ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Here is a stepwise breakdown:

Prep Your Pans: Preheat the oven and grease or line mini cake pans or muffin tins.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cardamom, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy for the best texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in applesauce and vanilla.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide and Bake: Spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool fully before icing.

The Apple Cider Icing

The icing brings a sweet-tangy finish that makes these cakes shine. To prepare:

Sift powdered sugar for a lump-free glaze.
Stir in fresh apple cider gradually until you reach a pourable consistency.
Drizzle over cooled cakes, letting the icing gently run down the sides for that rustic, inviting look.

Apple-Cardamom Cakes Recipe

Yield: Makes about 12 mini cakes or cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 22-25 minutes

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 1/4 cups
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Baking soda	1/2 teaspoon
Ground cardamom	1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (room temp)	1/4 cup (1/2 stick)
Brown sugar (light or dark)	2/3 cup
Eggs	2 large
Applesauce	3/4 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Apple Cider Icing:

Powdered sugar – 1 cup
Apple cider – 2 to 3 tablespoons

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or mini Bundt pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in applesauce and vanilla.
Fold in dry ingredients just until combined. The mixture will be thick.
Divide batter evenly among prepared cups and smooth tops.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
To make icing: Sift powdered sugar into a bowl. Add cider one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach the desired pouring consistency.
Drizzle icing generously over cooled cakes. Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer apple flavor: Use homemade applesauce or incorporate finely chopped fresh apples into the batter.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for deeper warmth.
Healthier swap: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy yogurt or applesauce in equal measure for moistness.
Cupcake option: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for even easier sharing and serving.
Decorative finishes: Top with thin apple slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

These cakes are delightful all on their own, but here are some ways to make them even more special:

With Tea or Coffee: Pair with a strong black tea, chai, or hot spiced cider for a true fall experience.
Elegant Platter: Arrange mini cakes on a cake stand with edible flowers or fresh apple slices for a showstopping autumn centerpiece.
Brunch Table: Serve alongside other fall pastries, cheeses, and seasonal fruit for a memorable brunch spread.
Holiday Dessert Table: Add to your Thanksgiving or holiday dessert lineup for a lighter alternative to pies.

Storing and Make-Ahead

Storage: Store the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Cakes (without icing) can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Why Cardamom and Apple?

Cardamom’s slightly citrusy, herbal, and floral notes are a natural companion to apples. Common in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern desserts, cardamom brings a sophistication and depth to simple baked goods. Combined with cinnamon and the brightness of apple cider, you get layers of flavor in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular cake pans instead of mini cake or muffin pans?

A: Yes, bake in a standard 8-inch round or square pan, adjusting the baking time to 30–35 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness.

Q: Is it important to use unsweetened applesauce?

A: Unsweetened applesauce is recommended to better control sweetness and highlight the natural apple flavor, but sweetened can work in a pinch—consider reducing the added sugar slightly.

Q: Can I make the icing ahead of time?

A: The cider icing is best made fresh, but can be made an hour or two in advance if kept covered. If it thickens, add a splash more apple cider before drizzling.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I add nuts or raisins?

A: Absolutely! Stir in up to half a cup of chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins for extra texture and flavor.

More Fall Apple Recipes to Try

Apple Streusel Sheet Cake: For a crowd, with a crunchy cookie-like topping.
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: Beautifully caramelized apples and a moist base.
Classic Irish Apple Cake: A rustic sweet treat perfect for breakfast or tea.
Cinnamon Streusel Apple Coffee Cake: Crumbly and fragrant, perfect for dipping into hot drinks.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Bake

Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough cake.
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
Let cakes cool completely before icing, or the glaze may melt and run off entirely.
Use a piping bag or small spoon for precise drizzling of the cider icing.

Conclusion: The Charm of Homemade Apple-Cardamom Cakes

Baking these apple-cardamom cakes with apple cider icing is more than just making dessert—it’s a tradition in the making. With each spiced, moist bite, you get all the fragrance and festive comfort of autumn. Whether as a picnic treat, a lovely homemade gift, or a sweet finish to a holiday meal, these cakes are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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