Classic Apple Almond Cake with Apricot Glaze

There’s something eternally comforting about the aroma of apples and butter wafting through the house on a cool afternoon. This Classic Apple Almond Cake with Apricot Glaze is a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates everything we love about home baking. Moist, buttery, and delicately sweet, this cake combines tender apple slices with a soft vanilla-scented sponge, topped with crunchy almond flakes and finished with a glossy apricot jam glaze. Whether you’re entertaining guests, treating your family, or just indulging in a quiet moment with tea or coffee, this apple cake delivers warmth, nostalgia, and delight in every bite.

This recipe is made with everyday ingredients, comes together easily, and bakes into a beautiful golden cake that tastes as lovely as it looks. Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to make this classic apple cake perfect.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 medium eggs

• A pinch of salt

• 6 tablespoons (120 g) granulated sugar

• 8 g vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

• 150 g butter, at room temperature

• 8 g baking powder

• 175 g all-purpose flour

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• A handful of almond flakes (approx. 2 tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glaze)

• Butter for greasing a 24 cm (9.5 inch) cake pan

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cake pan
Grease a 24 cm round cake pan with butter, ensuring the sides and bottom are well-coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Beat the eggs and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the 3 eggs. Add a pinch of salt, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until pale and fluffy—this should take about 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the butter
Gradually incorporate the room temperature butter into the beaten egg mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set aside. If desired, toss them in a small squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 6: Assemble the cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Neatly arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the top. Sprinkle with almond flakes.

Step 7: Bake
Place the cake in a preheated oven at 160–170°C (320–338°F) and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Glaze the cake
While the cake is still warm, gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan or microwave. Brush the top of the cake with the warm jam to give it a beautiful shiny glaze.

Step 9: Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

(Per slice, based on 10 slices)

• Calories: 260 kcal

• Fat: 14 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Sugar: 18 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fiber: 1.5 g

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Apple cakes are beloved across many cultures, but this particular style is reminiscent of Central European apple cakes—especially Austrian and German baking traditions that emphasize simple, rustic elegance. The use of almond flakes and apricot glaze adds a Viennese touch, transforming an everyday cake into something café-worthy. Over time, it’s become a favorite in home kitchens due to its simplicity, adaptability, and comforting flavor profile.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Easy to make with everyday ingredients

• Moist and buttery texture

• Naturally sweet from apples and vanilla

• Elegant presentation with minimal effort

• Perfect for brunch, tea-time, or dessert

Health Benefits

While it’s still a dessert, this apple almond cake has some redeeming qualities:

• Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C

• Almond flakes provide heart-healthy fats

• Using real butter and simple ingredients avoids preservatives

• Less sugar than many frosted cakes

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish

• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Perfect with a cup of Earl Grey tea or fresh coffee

• Add fresh berries on the side for a colorful plate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold butter: This makes the batter curdle. Always use softened, room-temperature butter.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.

• Cutting apples too thick: Thin slices bake more evenly and create a prettier top.

• Skipping the glaze: The apricot jam gives the cake that bakery-style shine and extra flavor.

• Not greasing the pan properly: The butter-rich batter can still stick if not well prepared.

Pairing Recommendations

• Hot beverages: Coffee, black tea, chai, or hot apple cider.

• Cold drinks: Sparkling apple juice, white wine (like Riesling), or a cinnamon iced latte.

• Dessert pairing: Pair with crème anglaise, a light custard sauce, for special occasions.

Cooking Tips

• If apples are tart (like Granny Smith), you may increase sugar slightly.

• Almond flakes can be lightly toasted beforehand for extra flavor.

• If you don’t have apricot jam, use peach or apple jelly.

• Let the cake cool slightly before glazing so the jam doesn’t soak in completely.

• Line the bottom of the pan with parchment for even easier release.

Similar Recipes to Try

• German Apfelkuchen (German Apple Cake)

• French Tarte Tatin

• Rustic Apple Galette

• Almond and Pear Tea Cake

• Vanilla Yogurt Apple Muffins

Variations to Try

• Add a dash of cinnamon to the batter or on the apples

• Use pears or plums instead of apples

• Add a tablespoon of ground almonds to the flour mix for extra almond flavor

• Use brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like depth

• Top with streusel for a crumbly twist

Ingredient Spotlight: Apples

Apples are not only versatile and delicious but also packed with health benefits. They contain dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The type of apple matters here—firm, tart-sweet apples like Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape during baking and offer the best balance of flavor and texture in cakes.

Conclusion

This Classic Apple Almond Cake with Apricot Glaze is everything a homemade dessert should be—simple, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. It showcases the warmth of apples, the richness of butter, and the elegance of a golden crust. Whether it’s a lazy weekend afternoon, a holiday gathering, or a cozy tea party, this cake is guaranteed to delight. Once you try it, it will likely become one of your go-to recipes for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What type of apples are best for this cake?
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn. They hold their shape well and offer a good flavor contrast.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed. Expect a slight difference in taste.

3. Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

4. How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

5. Can I freeze the apple almond cake?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, though texture may be slightly different. Add a touch of xanthan gum if needed.

7. Is there a substitute for almond flakes?
Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be used, or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

8. What’s the purpose of the apricot glaze?
The glaze gives the cake a shiny, professional look and adds a slight fruity sweetness that complements the apples.

9. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy autumnal flavor.

10. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s a great starter cake. The steps are straightforward, and the results are impressive even with minimal baking experience.