Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back. You spot that float valve bobbing gently, letting you know the pressure build is just right. That sealing ring hums softly, and you feel the tender pull of anticipation for something warm and sweet.
Now you gotta wait, but it barely seems long. The smell of cardamom and apple kinda sneaks through, teasing your senses. You wonder how this gluten free and vegan cake can smell so good, but trust me it does. Coconut milk meets almond flour and the whole thing's ready to blow your snack time away.
When you finally open that lid, there's this little cloud of steam that makes your eyes water just a bit. But the best part is seeing that golden cake, puffed up and perfect. Your taste buds start guessin' how those apples all soft and cinnamon-like will taste. You can't wait to dig in.
The Truth About Fast Tender Results
- Pressure cooker cuts the baking time way down but keeps the broth depth for moistness.
- You get a tender pull that's soft but holds together real good.
- Float valve shows when the pressure build is steady so you know exactly when cookin's done.
- The sealing ring keeps steam locked inside, making flavors serious and cake texture spot on.
- No dry edges like in ovens, just even, moist crumb all around.
- You don't gotta watch the cake close, just let the cooker do the work.
- Cleanup is quick since you use one pot mostly, which you'll appreciate on busy days.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
Alright you'll need to round up these 10 things for this cake. Almond flour is your base, giving that nutty flavor and bite without gluten. Coconut milk brings creaminess and moisture real smooth.
Maple syrup's your sweetener here, gentle and pure. Melted coconut oil makes sure the cake isn't dry with a nice soft crumb. Baking powder gives the lift while cardamom adds that exotic spice twist you'll love.
Salt balances everything out just enough. Vanilla extract adds warmth deep inside your bite. And don't forget the diced apples, the real star that gives juicy pops in every mouthful.
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced apples
- Extra coconut oil or non-stick spray for greasing pan
The Full Pressure Cooker Journey
First step, grease an 8-inch round cake pan real good so nothing sticks. You can use coconut oil or your favorite non-stick spray. This little step makes your life way easier after.
Next, grab a big bowl and mix your almond flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. You wanna make sure it's well combined so every bite's tasty.
In another bowl, whisk together your wet stuff - coconut milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This mix is where the cake gets its moist and sweet character.
Pour the wet into the dry and stir it till just combined. Don't overmix or you might lose that tender pull you're after. Then fold in your diced apples gently, so they don't get mushy.
Pour your batter into the greased cake pan, spreading it out smooth. Place a trivet in the bottom of your pressure cooker pot, add a cup of water for broth depth, then set your cake pan on top.
Seal the lid, check your sealing ring to make sure it's snug, and turn the pressure cooker on high. When float valve rises, cook for 30 minutes. After that, let pressure release naturally before you open up. Done right, you'll see a golden, tender cake ready for you to dig into.
Smart Shortcuts for Busy Days
- Dice apples ahead and store 'em in the fridge so you're ready to mix anytime.
- Mix your dry ingredients in bulk so you just scoop and go when you wanna bake.
- Use canned coconut milk for less prep hassle-shake well before opening though.
- Skip greasing the pan if you've got a silicone cake pan that fits your cooker perfectly.
- Set a timer on your phone for natural pressure release to avoid watchin' the cooker.
What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot
The very first bite hits you with soft almond flour goodness and a gentle sweetness from the maple syrup. That cardamom sneaks in, warming your mouth in an unexpected but cozy way.
The apples give each bite a juicy little surprise that contrasts so nice with the tender crumb. It's like a hug in cake form, kinda earthy but bright too.
All together, you don't feel heavy or sticky like some cakes. It's just light, comforting, and totally snackable whenever you want a sweet lift.
Smart Storage That Actually Works
If you wanna keep your cake fresh, the fridge is your friend. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It'll stay moist and yum for several days this way.
For longer storage, slice it up and freeze the pieces separately wrapped. When you want a bite, just thaw at room temp or warm a bit in the toaster oven. It works real good.
You can also store leftovers in a cake dome or covered plate on your counter for a day or two but watch that float valve on freshness. Best to eat quick this way.
Your Most Asked Questions Answered
- Can I use other flours? You can, but almond flour gives the right moist and tender pull. Other flours might change texture a lot. Check out our carrot cake cupcakes for a different but tender bake.
- Is there a way to make it sweeter? Add a bit extra maple syrup or drizzle some on top after cooking for more sweetness. Also see our strawberry cupcakes for a fruitier sweet twist.
- My cake sank in the middle, what happened? Check if the sealing ring was on good and pressure built right. Also, don't rush opening the lid or the cake might collapse.
- Can I add nuts or raisins? Sure thing, fold them in gently with the apples so they get evenly spread in the batter.
- How do I know when the cake is done? Use the float valve as a guide and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with tiny crumbs. If wet, cook a bit more.
- What if I don't have a trivet? Try stacking metal rings or an upside-down heatproof dish. You just need the cake pan above the water level for broth depth.
Apple Cardamom Snack Cake – Gluten Free and Vegan
Equipment
- 1 Pressure cooker
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
- 1 8-inch round cake pan
- 1 Trivet
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond flour
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ cup Coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Diced apples
- Extra Coconut oil or non-stick spray for greasing pan
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together coconut milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.
- Place a trivet in the bottom of the pressure cooker, add water, and place cake pan on top.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
