Have you ever asked yourself, “If I were to re-live the last 10 years, would I do some things different?” I definitely ask myself that sometimes.
We rush to achieve perfection in everything, and try to juggle a ton of stuff when all we can do is manage one. After all, we are just human. I would like to change small things. I didn’t have to vacuum everyday. I didn’t have to buy that perfect gift and drive around 4 hours to find one. I really didn’t have to eat that whole bag of chips (although I enjoyed it then). I would’ve loved to visit family back in India more often.
I am a creature of habit. Which is not bad at all, but it is nice to change things up. I have serious writer’s block right now, so I kept postponing this post for a while because I couldn’t frame my words well. Then I thought to myself, everything doesn’t have to be the way it should be in your mind. It is fine. It’s about sharing what I love to do, sharing food. So here it is a unique absolutely delicious cake.
T’s the season of celebration. This is one of my favorite cakes to bake, and that’s huge because I’ve had my fair share of cakes. This has a distinct flavor from the black sesame seeds, which we do use a lot in Indian Cooking. The apples get soft and spread their sweetness into the cake as it bakes. This cake tastes better as it sits and binds together overnight or even for a day before you slice it up.
You can see my love for sesame flavored cakes here in this Creme Brulee Sesame Cake .
Cheers to all the baking and cooking for Thanksgiving. Take a moment to relax, enjoy the now. Spread some love and lot of hugs.
- 1 stick softened unsalted butter or 113 grams
- ⅔ caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp
- 2 medium eggs
- 1¼ cup ground almonds/almond flour
- ¾ cup Cake flour or All purpose flour
- ¼ cup Black sesame seeds powder
- 1 tsp baking powder (+ ½ tsp if using plain all purpose flour)
- 2 apples sliced
- 2 tbsp flaked almonds
- ⅓ tsp almond extract
- a pinch of salt
- Preheat oven at 350 degree. Grease and Line a 9' by 5' pan. You can use any pan you want.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together, the ground almonds, all purpose or cake flour,black sesame seeds flour, baking powder and salt. Mix it well with a whip or a fork until it is well incorporated.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and whip it by hand or an electric mixer until it is soft and creamy. It will take around 2 minutes. Add the eggs and sugar alternating between the two, mix and whip well until everything is silky and smooth and lighter. It will take another 3 minutes.
- Switch to a rubber spatula and add a few tablespoons of dry ingredients at a time to the wet ingredients and fold carefully. After all the ingredients are folded well, pour in the prepared pan and tap to take out any air bubbles.
- Arrange the apple any way you want and Bake in the center of the oven for 45- 1 hour depending on the size of the pan and your oven. If you see that the top it browning a bit fast or darkening, use an aluminium foil and wrap on top, so the tops remain golden brown.
- Check with a tooth pick or skewer to see if it's done. Take it out and cool.
You know how much I love teacakes, Asha and I cannot rest until I make this stunner ☺. It’s beautiful and the sesame makes it really unique.
Thanks Bina. I really hope you get to try it. It’s something unique for sure.
xoxo
This is a stunner, Ash. Soft, light and smooth texture..just perfect!
Thank you so so much Angie. Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful day my dear.
I hear you, Asha… sometimes it’s those everyday details that distract us from doing the things we truly love. And I DO ask myself that very question. It was during those past 10 I left my career to explore my love… tough decisions. So when I look back, would I do it differently? Yes and no. I think for me, it has unfolded as it should, and I have learned much. But there are some things that could stand to be let go of. But yes to visiting family more.. that is a priority in the new year… my mom in Texas; I miss her. Working out more and practicing yoga. And perhaps I’ll devour that bag of chips! Despite writers block, I am so happy you forged ahead sharing your wisdom and this delectable Sesame Almond Apple Cake! Not only is the presentation just gorgeous, the flavors are so mouthwatering. I know I’ll love this! Thank you my dear! Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
Very well said Traci. I am so so happy for you about following your passion, tough decision it must’ve been. Aww, you should definitely visit her often. My mom is in India and it’s so difficult to go often especially now that she’s not doing too well. I try though.
I am conciously making the decision to not be too stuck up on things, moving on. Life is too short for trivial things.
Thanks so much for your kindness my dear. Hope you and your family have a wonderful time this Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving.
xoxo
Love the way you have captured the beauty of this cake. Though I have tried many types of cakes, the idea of using black sesame seeds is new to me. Will definitely try this. You have a beautiful space here and I will keep visiting. Please check out ours if you get a chance!
Oh thank you for stopping by. I will definitely stop by your space.
xo
The cake looks perfect Ash! We don’t know if we’ll be able to get some black sesame seeds powder though:/ Any thoughts for alternatives on that (if applicable)?:)
If this is how your write when you have writer’s block,then you have nothing to worry about!:) The post is excellent. And you’re right our community is all about sharing our passion and love for good food after all!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
xoxoxo
Thanks so much. Hope you both are having a wonder Thanksgiving. I have to thank you for every kind word you say. Makes me so so happy.
You can find black sesame seeds online too and powder them. If not you can use white sesame, or omit it completely and add the same amout of almond flour. It will be more of an almond cake, but delicious for sure.
Thanks again and Hugs and wishes to you.
xoxo
I so hear you Asha. I have the bug of perfectionist in me and everywhere I look, I see things I could do better. It can be so tiring sometimes. Someone told me recently that in trying to get things perfect we miss the beauty in imperfections… and to aspire to perfection is so futile anyway. True words aren’t they?
I love this cake. And I love black sesame! Have happy and super relaxed holidays my dear! Much love… <3
So so true Rakhee. Amen.
I’ve realized that perfection is just a thing, something that is not needed at all. When we look at the bigger picture, it’s a miniscule.
Let say cheer to a relaxed not so perfect years ahead. Happy Thanksgiving lovely!
Beautiful cake Asha.
Thank you my friend.
I would love to change some things from the past 10 years, but really, it’s what I do in the next 10 years that counts more. 🙂 You always write so beautifully, too — even with writer’s block! This cake is gorgeous and I love the color the black sesame seeds lend it. I would love a slice for breakfast!
That is so so true. Thanks so much Marcie, your kind words always are so nice.
It’s one of those cakes which is so uniquely yummy. Hope you get to try it out sometime.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
You’ve got me thinking…and in doing so, I realize there are definitely a few things/lessons I’ve learned and would do differently. But we move forward and I hope I’ll be a little bit smarter going forward. Your writing is always wonderful so it’s hard to believe you’d have writer’s block. I hope you’ll continue to share with us regardless if the words don’t configure exactly right on the screen vs. what you have in mind. : ) This cake is a stunner. Very creative, as usual!
Thanks so much Monica. You truly have been so supportive, I love your positivity and kindness always. You are right, we move on, pray for the strength to handle any situation.
You are too kind. Thanks again my Luv. Happy Thanksgiving to your and your lovely family.xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving lovely to you and your family! I don’t know what I would do differently. Maybe take more time off or try to look after my health. And as for vacuuming every day? Hehe you are too funny. I can’t even do it every week!
Haha. Now it’s like, I’ll ask the boys to do it.
Happy Week my dear.
Even with writer’s block you tell a beautiful story and create a moment for your reader to pause and ponder your words. That is a gift. I do often think about the last 10 years. And like you, there are things that I wonder, could I have / should I have done them differently – but I wouldn’t be where I am today and I love where I am today. Thank you for this post and this gorgeous cake. Wishing you a lovely week, my friend. xo
Aww, You are so nice Annie. Your family is blessed to have you. You explained it beautifully, we will not be the person we are if not for the little ones. Like you,I feel very blessed to be in this position and thank God every day for that.
Wish you and your family a Lovely Thanksgiving my friend. xoxo
I so agree- sometimes we strive to be perfect when all we have to do is take one step! Love this yummy cake and congratulations on all your amazing success this year!
Thanks so much Kamana. It’s a big year for you too. So glad. Hugs.
Wow! This cake looks so healthy with those apples popping out the top. Have a Happy Thanksgiving girl 🙂
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Thanks my dear. I wish it was healthier;).. Happy Thanksgiving girlfriend!!
Of course there are some things I’d do differently given a chance. But I got the big things right — just luck there, though. Anyway, lovely cake. Super food styling! Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless!!! It’s wonderful to know that. So glad for life.
Have a beautiful Thanksgiving John. Thanks always for your kind words and support. xx
This is a gorgeous cake Asha – love love love those apple slices on top!
You got me thinking – as much as I hate to live with regret, I do wish that I had kept in touch with friends better 10 years ago – but it’s never to late right? 🙂
Hope you and your family have a lovely Holiday Season and safe travels if you are travelling! xx
You are so right, hate to regret things. Sometimes it’s the smallest of things. Never too late darlin.
Thank you so so much for everything. Have a wonder Thanksgiving my friend.
Vacuum? Everyday? You deserve cake. GREG
Haha..I know, I was crazy then.
This looks awesome-very creative!
Please : ⅔ cup powdered sugar ?
Magnifique Gâteau, Bravo…
Yes, it is powdered sugar. Thank you.
Can you post Iyengar Bakery Apple Cake recipe? Those round brown balls rolled over coconut, you know, Mouthwatering ones!