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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Published: Sep 7, 2018 · Modified: Sep 8, 2021 by kseniaprints · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 42 Comments

    Almond apple cake with apple roses for Rosh Hashana

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    This almond apple cake has a fine, spongy almond crumb and the delicate sweetness of honey.

    Let this gluten-free and paleo apple and almond cake with apple roses lures you to put on your jacket and scarf, pour yourself another cup of steaming apple cider, and embrace the sweet bitter notes of fall.

    A perfect cake for Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana), Thanksgiving, or just a regular fall baking project.

    Jump to:
    • This almond apple cake has a fine, spongy almond crumb and the delicate sweetness of honey.
    • Fall Rituals: Apple Picking
    • For more apple recipes:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Adaptations and Substitutions
    • When to serve
    • Pin for Later!
    • Recipe
    Side view on apple roses

    Fall Rituals: Apple Picking

    As you make your way into an orchard, the smell of wet grass is the first thing you notice.

    Small, vibrant green and covered in dew, the leaves of a multitude of apple trees sway in the wind, producing a sound not unlike that of a sighing grandmother.

    “Stay with us for a bit,” they seem to whisper at you, offering yet another slice of almond apple cake.

    You walk through the orderly lanes, looking this way and that, searching for the perfect red apple.

    The touch of green is enough to send you, disappointed, onto the next tree, in constant look for the next perfect specimen.

    When you finally find it, you wrap your palm gently around the body of the fruit, twisting delicately in a clockwork motion.

    With a barely audible ‘pop’, the stem of the apple snaps, and the ripe fruit is left laying in your hand, offering you the world of promise and temptation that only freshly picked fruit can bring.

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    For more apple recipes:

    • Gluten-free pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup
    • Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
    • 4-Step Easy Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
    • Low-Carb Pancakes with Healthy Caramelized Apples
    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    Can you make this into an almond flour apple cake?

    Absolutely - it already is! In fact, the only flour used in this cake is almond flour, with a touch of arrowroot starch to bind it.

    Is this apple almond cake low carb?

    This is a low carb apple cake with only almond flour (very finely ground almonds) and arrowroot starch serving as the dry ingredients. It is paleo as it is only sweetened with the natural flavor of apples and a touch of honey.

    Can you make this a vegan almond apple cake?

    This is a naturally dairy-free almond apple cake, as it uses coconut oil and not butter. I have never tried making this cake vegan, for the simple reason it really needs the eggs for its body. You can try using a product like JUST eggs to mimic the texture, or whipped aquafaba like in this blood orange cake.

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    Ingredients

    For apple roses:

    • Apples of your choice (Gala, Red Delicious, Cosmic Crisp are all great)
    • Water
    • Lemon juice

    For apple almond cake:

    • Coconut oil
    • Almond flour
    • Arrowroot flour
    • Salt
    • Eggs, room temperature
    • Liquid from cooking apple roses
    • Honey
    • Vanilla extract
    • Lemon juice
    • Baking soda
    • Honey, diluted in warm water, or sugar-free jam diluted in warm water, for glazing

    Instructions

    Prepare apple roses

    In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water and lemon juice to a boil.

    Remove core and seeds from apples and slice apples in half, and then slice them very thinly into half-moons (you can use a mandoline for this if you are unsure of the thinness of your slices). Place apple slices into water, allow to boil again, and let boil for an additional minute or two, just until apple slices are pliable and can be bent without snapping. Do not overboil – this will result in mushy slices that break apart when you attempt to roll them.

    Pour the liquid in which the apples cooked into a bowl, reserving it for later. Place apple slices in ice-cold water and set aside.

    Make the paleo apple cake

    Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Grease and line a round cake pan with a removable bottom with parchment.

    Whisk dry ingredients

    In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together flours and salt.

    Beat egg yolks and egg whites separately

    Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

    Combine yolks in another bowl with melted coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice, honey and ½ cup of liquid remaining from cooking the apples. Whisk to combine. Add egg yolk mixture to the large bowl with the flour, and whisk until batter is smooth without any lumps.

    Using a mixer, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks.

    Add baking soda and combine mixtures

    Stir baking soda into the dough batter and, using a rubber spatula, immediately beat in one third of the whipped egg whites. Gently fold in the rest of the egg whites.

    Pour batter into prepared 6-inch baking dish for a tall, single-layer cake, or a 9-inch baking dish for a shallower cake with a larger diameter.

    Top almond apple cake with apple roses

    Starting with a thin small slice of apple, roll it into the shape of a rose. Then add another slice around it, and another one. Use as many slices as you like to assemble each rose, starting from one for very small roses, to five or six for very large ones. Place each rose into the top of the cake, pressing it into the batter to secure. Continue until cake is completely covered in apple roses.

    Bake cake at 325 F for 40 minutes

    Bake at 325 F for 35-40 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

    Remove cake from oven and leave to rest for 5 minutes, then run a sharp knife along the edge, remove outside ring and transfer cake onto a cake stand.

    Brush top with syrup

    Brush top and sides of cake with the honey-water or jam-water mixture, to add more sweetness and to allow the roses to sparkle as though dewy. Let cool completely before serving.

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    Adaptations and Substitutions

    This almond apple cake with apple roses is gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free and low carb. It also fits within the Whole 30 diet.

    Vegan

    The eggs in the cake are needed to give it body. I have not tried to substitute the eggs, but I believe it would work with JUST eggs or aquafaba.

    Keto

    Unfortunately, this recipe cannot be easily made keto (as apples aren't keto).

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    When to serve

    This is a perfect cake to serve for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year celebration. It also works for Thanksgiving.

    The abundance of apples in your farmers’ markets during fall simply calls for an apple cake on your fall weekend table.

    This sugar-free, gluten-free almond apple cake with apple roses is a simple, beautiful way to honour the fruit of the season, and to welcome in fall with a flourish.

    Sweetened with just a touch of honey, this cake is guaranteed to not overwhelm your taste buds with artificial sweetness – but instead, to let the taste of apples and honey shine.

    Looking for more Rosh Hashana Recipes and Inspiration?

    Here are a few of my favourites:

    • The best vegetarian Rosh Hashanah recipes
    • Rosh Hashana menu, and my thoughts for the Jewish New Year
    • How to decorate an intimate holiday table for a memorable experience
    • Any of the 11 recipes in my Middle Eastern Small Plates E-book
    • Enchanted rice with grapes, feta and pistachios, or the taste of teenage love
    • Vegan malabi with strawberry rose syrup and pomegranate arils
    • Black eyed peas masabacha with tahini, tomatoes, garlic and hot peppers
    • Roasted beet, apple and goat cheese salad with walnuts
    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    Check out my web story if you want to follow the step-by-step almond apple cake story on how to assemble this cake.

    Pin for Later!

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    Recipe

    45 degree view of apple almond cake with extract and apples

    Almond apple cake with apple roses

    With a fine, spongy almond crumb and the delicate sweetness of honey, this almond apple cake with apple roses lures you to put on your jacket and scarf, pour yourself another cup of steaming apple cider, and embrace the sweet bitter notes of fall. 
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: cake, Dessert
    Cuisine: Israeli, Jewish, low carb, Paleo
    Keyword: almond flour, almonds, Apple roses, apples, Cosmic Crisp apples, dairy-free, Gala apples, gluten-free, grain-free, Jewish, low carb, paleo, Red Delicious, rosh hashana, Rosh Hashanah
    Prep Time: 1 hour
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 321kcal
    Author: Ksenia Prints

    Equipment

    • Standing mixer or hand mixer

    Ingredients

    For apple roses:

    • 4-6 apples of your choice halved and cored (Gala, Red Delicious or Cosmic Crisp would all work)
    • 3 cups water
    • 4 tsps lemon juice

    For one 6 or 9-inch round cake:

    • ⅓ cup coconut oil
    • 1 ¾ cup almond flour
    • ¼ cup arrowroot flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 large eggs room temperature
    • ½ cup apple liquid (liquid remaining from boiling the apple roses)
    • 2 tbsps honey
    • 2 tsps vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • Honey diluted in warm water, or sugar-free jam diluted in warm water for glazing

    Instructions

    • To prepare apple roses: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water and lemon juice to a boil.
    • Remove core and seeds from apples and slice apples in half, and then slice them very thinly into half-moons (you can use a mandoline for this if you are unsure of the thinness of your slices). Place apple slices into water, allow to boil again, and let boil for an additional minute or two, just until apple slices are pliable and can be bent without snapping. Do not overboil – this will result in mushy slices that break apart when you attempt to roll them.
    • Pour the liquid in which the apples cooked into a bowl, reserving it for later. Place apple slices in ice-cold water and set aside.
    • To make cake: Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Grease and line a round cake pan with a removable bottom with parchment.
    • In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together flours and salt.
    • Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
    • Combine yolks in another bowl with melted coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice, honey and ½ cup of liquid remaining from cooking the apples. Whisk to combine. Add egg yolk mixture to the large bowl with the flour, and whisk until batter is smooth without any lumps.
    • Using a mixer, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks.
    • Stir baking soda into the dough batter and, using a rubber spatula, immediately beat in one third of the whipped egg whites. Gently fold in the rest of the egg whites.
    • Pour batter into prepared 6-inch baking dish for a tall, single-layer cake, or a 9-inch baking dish for a shallower cake with a larger diameter.
    • To assemble apple roses: Starting with a thin small slice of apple, roll it into the shape of a rose. Then add another slice around it, and another one. Use as many slices as you like to assemble each rose, starting from one for very small roses, to five or six for very large ones. Place each rose into the top of the cake, pressing it into the batter to secure. Continue until cake is completely covered in apple roses.
    • Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
    • Remove cake from oven and leave to rest for 5 minutes, then run a sharp knife along the edge, remove outside ring and transfer cake onto a cake stand.
    • Brush top and sides of cake with the honey-water or jam-water mixture, to add more sweetness and to allow the roses to sparkle as though dewy. Let cool completely before serving.

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 170mg | Calcium: 71mg | Vitamin C: 5mg | Vitamin A: 138IU | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 5g | Potassium: 128mg | Cholesterol: 61mg | Calories: 321kcal | Trans Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Fat: 23g | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

    1. Bernice says

      August 30, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      This cake looks absolutely fabulous! I can't wait to try making this when the new crop apples hit the markets.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:31 am

        We are already seeing the first local apples popping up, so I've been making this cake for a couple of weeks. It definitely gets you into a fall mood!

        Reply
    2. Audrey says

      August 30, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      The Apple roses are such a nice touch to this cake.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:34 am

        Thanks so much!!! They take some time to make or roll, but they're gorgeous when done.

        Reply
    3. Amanda Dixon says

      August 30, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great fall cake! I love the apples and honey together, and those pretty apple roses make for such an impressive presentation.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:36 am

        Apples and honey go very well together, flavor wise - and the honey really makes the apple roses shine 🙂

        Reply
    4. Rob says

      August 30, 2021 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      Such a pretty cake for Rosh Hashanah!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:36 am

        Thanks Rob! I totally agree

        Reply
    5. Chef Dennis says

      August 30, 2021 at 10:01 pm

      5 stars
      This almond apple cake is making me drool! Love the presentation.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:36 am

        Thanks, Dennis!

        Reply
    6. Serena says

      August 30, 2021 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      This cake is gorgeous, I love the apple roses! Can't wait to try this.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        August 31, 2021 at 10:37 am

        They really add a gorgeous touch to the cake, though they can take some work to roll.

        Reply
    7. Luca says

      August 31, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful and delicious!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 01, 2021 at 8:34 pm

        Thank you kindly!!

        Reply
    8. Leslie Sawmiller says

      September 01, 2021 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      This is a stunningly beautiful dessert recipe! Even better that it's sugar-free and gluten-free as well!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 01, 2021 at 8:35 pm

        Yes! We eat with our eyes first, but then it's our stomach and bodies that bear the brunt of our less-than-healthy choices ;P

        Reply
    9. Kayla DiMaggio says

      September 01, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      This apple cake turned out so beautiful! I loved every bite! Can't wait to make this again!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 01, 2021 at 8:35 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    10. Erin says

      September 02, 2021 at 6:23 am

      This is such an impressive-looking cake! I just love the design. And yay that it's grain-free! I hope to try this soon.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 03, 2021 at 11:23 am

        I think you're going to love it, Erin!

        Reply
    11. Alex says

      September 02, 2021 at 6:25 am

      I bet this has such a great texture with the added arrowroot flour! I definitely need to do more baking with arrowroot. I should start off with this cake!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 03, 2021 at 11:23 am

        It helps keep the cake moist but also keeps it together. I don't love using starches in my baking, but sometimes it's really necessary!

        Reply
    12. Amy Liu Dong says

      September 04, 2021 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful, healthy, and delicious cake recipe. I love it and I will def make this for everyone. Thanks!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:55 pm

        I'm sure your family is going to love it as much as we do!

        Reply
    13. silvia says

      September 04, 2021 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      Great explanation for a great and delicious cake. The apple roses look so pretty and taste so yummy. A cake to impress. I'll be making it again and again.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:55 pm

        Thank you, I really tried to be as clear as possible. Making those apple roses can be quite the job!

        Reply
    14. Sara LaFountain says

      September 04, 2021 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      Just popped this cake in the oven and it smells SO GOOD! Thanks for sharing this easy treat for Rosh Hashana.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:55 pm

        Hope it tasted great, too!

        Reply
    15. Liz says

      September 04, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      We have an apple tree in our backyard, which will be perfect for this recipe!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:56 pm

        Oh you are so lucky!

        Reply
    16. Ramona says

      September 05, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love the presentation of this cake and the apple roses are such a beautiful design idea that I cant wait to try! Thank you for sharing this recipe, i cant wait to make this!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:53 pm

        Let me know how you like it when you do!

        Reply
    17. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      September 05, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely STUNNING! I am in awe of just how incredibly beautiful this is! I cannot wait to make this! This is perfect for Fall!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:52 pm

        Yes, it really is a celebration for fall!

        Reply
    18. Chenee says

      September 05, 2021 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      This cake is stunning! I love the apple roses. I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:52 pm

        You're going to LOVE it!

        Reply
    19. Amy says

      September 05, 2021 at 11:44 pm

      5 stars
      This makes such a beautiful cake with wonderful flavor! Such a great idea and I’m happy to know how to make apple roses now.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:52 pm

        It's a skill for sure!

        Reply
    20. Dorota says

      September 26, 2021 at 8:30 am

      Hello Ksenia,
      I don't have the almond flour (I don't buy it because of the high price point) in my pantry, only "Bob's All purpose Red Mill Baking Flour" and would like to make this cake today with my daughter. Can I substitute the almond flour with Bob's Red Mill flour? Please advise 🙂
      Thank you for all amazing recipes!
      Dorota

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 26, 2021 at 9:36 am

        Hi daughter! I never tried to make it with an all purpose gluten-free flour mix… if doing that, you wouldn’t need arrowroot flour for sure, but you may need more liquid or fat as almond flour has more fat in it. Sorry I can’t just say yes, but I don’t want to promise something I haven’t tried!

        Reply
    21. Dorota says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      Hi Ksenia,
      Thanks for the fast reply! I was wondering about the use of the arrowroot flour in my case too... I hope it turns out okay. Fingers crossed!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 30, 2021 at 3:56 pm

        Let me know if it worked! I can add it as an adjustment.

        Reply

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    Privet, I am Ksenia Prints! A food and travel blogger, photographer and storyteller. I help adventurous home cooks explore the world through healthy, beautiful immigrant recipes.

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