Baby Apple Cakes

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or oil.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

3. Mix Eggs and Sugar

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix 2 eggs and 1¾ cups of sugar on low speed until the mixture becomes smooth and light in color.

4. Add Vanilla and Oil

Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of neutral oil, mixing until creamy and viscous.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture in the stand mixer on low speed, mixing just until no more visible flour remains.

6. Fold in Apples

Gently fold in 2 cups of finely chopped apples using a spatula.

7. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to the rim. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan, and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool for a few minutes in the pan, then run a knife along the edges and remove them to cool completely on a wire rack.