Apple and cocoa cake

Apple and Cocoa Cake: A Quick and Delicious Dessert

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

This apple and cocoa cake is perfect for lovers of simple yet flavorful desserts. The delicate aroma of caramelized apples combined with chocolate offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself, this recipe is the ideal choice.

Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 150 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 large apples (preferably sweet varieties like Golden or Gala)
- 30 g cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for decoration, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Grease a rectangular baking pan (about 20x30 cm) with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and soft butter using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients: Add the 6 tablespoons of milk and mix well until combined.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and a pinch of salt. Sift the mixture over the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent developing gluten in the flour.

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. If desired, you can sprinkle the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and add a touch of acidity.

6. Assembling the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it well. Distribute the apple cubes evenly over the surface, pressing them gently into the batter.

7. Baking the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. If it starts to brown too much on the edges, you can cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant look.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include a teaspoon of cinnamon in the batter or use aromatic apples, such as Granny Smith, for a pleasant contrast between sweet and sour.
- This cake can be served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh whipped cream for a decadent experience.

Possible Variations:
- Instead of cocoa, you can use melted dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

The apple and cocoa cake is a quick and simple dessert, but with a flavor that won’t disappoint. Try this recipe and enjoy a sweet moment with your loved ones!