Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made this Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel! I was having a cozy afternoon and decided to whip up something special, and boy, did this cake deliver! The moment I pulled it out of the oven, the sweet aroma of apples mingled with the nuttiness of almonds filled my kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug. The sponge is so moist and fluffy, while the rich golden caramel adds that perfect touch of indulgence. I love how the sweetness of the dates balances beautifully with the tartness of the apples. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 200 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 200 grams (about 2 cups) apples, peeled and diced
- 100 grams (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 50 grams (½ cup) slivered almonds
- For the caramel:
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 50 ml (3 tablespoons) water
- 50 grams (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
How to Prepare Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While that’s warming up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. If you want to make things even easier, line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out nice and clean!
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes, and it’s the part that makes your kitchen smell heavenly! Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before you add the next. Don’t forget to mix in that lovely vanilla extract! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Now, it’s time to fold in those diced apples, chopped dates, and slivered almonds. You want them evenly distributed throughout the batter, but be gentle so you don’t overmix!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for letting that sponge set just right!
Make the Golden Caramel
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up that heavenly golden caramel! In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, but then stop stirring and let it bubble away until it turns a deep amber color—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches that gorgeous color, carefully add the butter and stir until it melts. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously—be cautious here, as it will bubble up! Add a pinch of salt and stir until it’s smooth and shiny.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your cake is completely cooled, drizzle that luscious golden caramel over the top. For extra flair, you can garnish it with more slivered almonds or a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve it on a simple white plate, and if you really want to treat yourself, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Success
To make your Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel truly exceptional, quality ingredients are key! Use fresh, crisp apples—this will ensure they hold their shape and add a delightful tartness. When it comes to the dates, I recommend using Medjool for their rich flavor and chewy texture. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately; even a slight variation can affect the final result. While mixing, don’t overdo it—just fold gently to keep that lovely airy texture in your sponge. And for storage, keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If it lasts that long, of course! Enjoy every bite!
Variations
One of the best things about this Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel is how easy it is to make it your own! Try swapping out the apples for juicy pears or tangy peaches for a fruity twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use dried figs or apricots instead of dates. For a nutty variation, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the slivered almonds. And if you’re a chocolate lover, drizzling melted chocolate over the caramel instead of using it can be a game changer! Let your creativity shine and enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data for each slice of your Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat (including 8 grams of saturated fat), and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 50 grams of carbohydrates, which includes 30 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch. Just make sure the apples are firm to maintain their texture in the cake.
How can I make the caramel without it crystallizing?
Great question! Make sure to stir the sugar and water only until the sugar dissolves, then let it boil undisturbed. If you see any sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, you can brush them down with a wet pastry brush. Patience is key!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and you can make the caramel right before serving for that fresh drizzle.
What should I do if the cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no! A sinking cake can happen if it’s underbaked or if the batter was overmixed. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, and be gentle while folding in the fruits and nuts.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying, and drizzle on the caramel just before serving for the best experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients
- Moist and fluffy sponge cake that melts in your mouth
- Delicious balance of sweetness from dates and tartness from apples
- Crunchy texture from slivered almonds adds a lovely bite
- Decadent golden caramel drizzled on top for that extra indulgence
- Beautifully presents as a stunning dessert for any occasion
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying solo!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on using dates in your cooking, visit Healthline!
Print
Apple Date Almond Sponge with Golden Caramel Blissful Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist sponge cake made with apples, dates, and almonds, topped with a rich golden caramel.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 200 grams (about 2 cups) apples, peeled and diced
- 100 grams (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 50 grams (½ cup) slivered almonds
- For the caramel:
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 50 ml (3 tablespoons) water
- 50 grams (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped dates, and slivered almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the desired color is reached, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the golden caramel over the top. Slice and serve the cake on a simple white plate, optionally garnished with extra slivered almonds or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
- For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
- Ensure the apples are firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Apple Date Almond Sponge, Golden Caramel, Cake Recipe