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Come fall, I always look forward to baking with apples. This cardamom cognac apple cake is my new go-to for autumn apple baking.
I am so happy to be sharing this french style apple cake with you guys. The recipe comes from the incredible Athena Calderone and her new cookbook that’s out today, Cook Beautiful. If you are unfamiliar with Athena’s work, I highly suggest you take a look at her blog, Eyeswoon. There you will find beautifully photographed recipes, tablescapes, and stories. I have followed Athena for years now and it’s her love of food and creating beautiful things that have kept me drawn in. Her passion always shines through and that’s what I love most.
I first got my hands on Athena’s cookbook a couple of weeks ago. Immediately I just had to open it up and skim through it. I was blown away at first glance. It’s simply stunning. I appreciate so much the number of photos and writing that went into creating the cookbook. As a cookbook author myself (that is so weird writing that out), I know all too well how much work goes into creating a beautiful book. I can say with confidence that Athena created a five-star, beautifully crafted cookbook.
When Athena asked me to share a recipe from Cook Beautiful, I had a pretty difficult time choosing just one to share. In the end, my love for fall baking gave in and I decided on this apple cake. And trust me, it was one of my better decisions because this cake is all too delicious.
Not only is it delicious, this cake is simple, moist…almost bread pudding-like, and not overly sweet.
It. Is. So. Good.
The batter is a simple mix of flour, eggs, buttermilk, etc…the basics when it comes to cake. What makes this cake stand out, however, is the addition of buttermilk, cardamom, and cognac. The buttermilk is what makes the cake almost pudding-like. It’s not traditional in french style apple cakes, but it really kicks the cake up a notch.
The cardamom and cognac add a little touch of spice and flavor, but don’t overwhelm the sweet Honeycrisp apples.
And speaking of those apples, I love that this cake recipe uses Honeycrisp apples. Most apple cakes use a bland variety baking apples. But I always love the way Honeycrisp apples bake up…and okay, they are also totally my favorite apple!
I have now made this cake twice and both times it’s been incredible. The second time around I added a touch of cinnamon because I just love the combo of apples and cinnamon too much. If you’re into cinnamon, add a pinch or two, it’s delish.
I served this cake warm, right out of the oven, but it’s great at room temperature too. Most importantly though? Be sure to generously dust your cake with confectioners sugar before serving. No exceptions.
This is the perfect thing to whip up just about any day of the week, but today is looking like a pretty good day to me. I always love baking up something sweet midweek to keep things fun!
Lastly, before I go, I just want to give you guys a head up that there will be no Wednesday post tomorrow. As mentioned in Sunday’s Favorites post, we are finally launching the blog redesign that we have been working on now for months. So excited to give HBH a fresh new look!
It takes a bit of time to implement the new site design, and there might be some glitches in the process. Therefore, I decided not to post tomorrow, just in case we have any issues. I will be back on Thursday though, with a whole new layout and brand new Instant Pot recipe!!
Already so excited about it.
In the meantime, let’s all bake up this delicious apple cake.
If you make this Cardamom Cognac Apple Cake, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
And don’t forget to order a copy of Cook Beautiful. You will love it. Promise.
erhmahgerd!! your website!! huzzah!! i have to admit, i love the old one. this one looks nice too!
Thank you Elisabeth!
OMG this looks so so so good! I am definitely going to be making this on Saturday after we go apple picking
Perfect! I hope you love it!
This looks so beautiful and yummy! Can’t wait to try it. Love the new site design. Enjoying your cookbook! Congrats!!
Thank you so much Shelly! I am so glad you’re enjoying both the site and the book!
I love the new layout of your site! It looks like it was worth every minute!
Thank you Darcy!
O ! Tieghan ! What a beautiful change… I am speechless.
Congrats and know that one of my “routines” is to grab some colour from you every day… With that new look, o, quelle belle surprise !
Love it.
Thank you so much Ivelina!
I LOVE the new site design! It’s so clean and fresh!
Thank you Caroline!! So glad you’re loving it!
Whaaaat! Your website design totally changed!! I’m loving the new, fresh look. It looks amazing <3
Thank you!! SO glad you like it!
my scouts loved this great cold night dinner finish, good job keep um coming..
Will do! Thank you Ian!
Hey Tieghan,
This apple cake looks lovely and I can’t wait to make it. It almost sounds like a mix between a cake and apple French toast (haha but much better). Also, Athena’s blog and book seems beautiful!
I’m excited to see the redesign for HBH and will miss tomorrow’s post. Hopefully you don’t have too much trouble getting everything sorted (haha I’m nervous but excited to see the change ?). Good luck tomorrow!
So glad you like this! Oh, and I am so excited about the redesign! I hope you like it!
Uhhhhh, I love apple cakes! How delicious … I will ask my mother to make this recipe!
Perfect! I hope you love this!
This is soo pretty!! I enjoy Athena’s work too. You definitely did her cake justice. 🙂
Thank you Natasha!
Hi there!
What a beautiful cake! It surprised me because I live in Finland and cakes like this one are kinda “everyday” cakes here. And that lovely cardamon – we Finns use it in almost all sweet baking… but never in food or any savory things… 😀
But anyway – thank you, this blog is an endless well of inspiration and joy!
Have a Happy Autumn!
With love – Celina from Finland
Oh wow that is so cool! I hope you love this cake Celina! Thank you + Happy Autumn to you as well!
What an amazing cake. I am so excited about trying it out once we get home. How do you think a hard sauce would taste on it when the dish is still warm? Can’t wait to see your new “do”.
Hi Marisa!! Thank you! Not sure what you mean by a hard sauce, but if you are suggesting a cream based sauce, like a custard I think that would be delicious!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
I can’t even!!! This looks so so so amazingly good!!!
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Thank you Ruth! ?
Sounds amazing, I’ve never thought of pairing apples with cardamon, especially in a CAKE! Brilliant idea. And those photos.. I do not want to offend Athena, but your’s look several times better. Maybe it’s the way how you layered the apple slices, it makes it all prettier.
Wish you luck with the redesign, I cannot wait for the result. Sure it will be amazing!
Take care,
||Jar||
Thank you so much! I think her work was so beautiful as well! I am so glad you like this though! ?