For the cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or
Braeburn, 1 lb. total, peeled, cored and
coarsely chopped
2 Tbs. strained fresh orange juice, lemon juice
or apple juice
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at
room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
For the vanilla glaze:
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tbs. condensed skim milk, warmed, plus
more as needed
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan or
square baking pan or baking dish (see Note).
To make the cake, in a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.
In another bowl, toss the apples with the juice. In a small bowl, stir together
the brown sugar, cardamom and cinnamon. Add to the apples and toss to coat. Set
aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the
butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla and beat on medium speed
until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each
addition. Add the flour mixture in 2 or 3 additions and beat well until smooth.
Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold in the apples just until evenly
distributed, no more than a few strokes. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into
the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of
the cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and
let cool for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’
sugar, the 2 Tbs. milk and the vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust the
consistency of the glaze by adding more milk, a few drops at a time, if needed.
Remove the sides of the springform pan, if using, and place the cake on a wire
rack set over a piece of waxed paper to catch any drips. While the cake is warm,
drizzle with the glaze. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Cut into wedges
or squares to serve. Makes one 9-inch cake.
Note: If using a glass baking dish, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
