Apricot cake

Apricot Cake - a delicate and fragrant recipe that transforms seasonal fruits into a quick and delicious dessert! This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to an elegant dessert for a special dinner. With a total preparation time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe yields 8 tasty servings.

Ingredients:
- 150 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g melted margarine (or butter)
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 250 g flour
- 500 g fresh apricots (or canned, if not available)

Preparation:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking dish of about 20x30 cm, greased with a little oil or margarine and dusted with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. In a large bowl, add the sugar and whole eggs. Use a mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, until it becomes frothy and light in color. This step is essential for a fluffy cake.

3. Add the warm milk and melted margarine to the egg and sugar mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon to integrate the ingredients without losing the incorporated air.

4. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift the flour mixture over the wet composition, gently mixing until everything is well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser cake.

5. Cut the apricots in half, removing the pits. If using canned apricots, make sure to drain them well to avoid a too wet cake.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and place the apricot halves on top, pressing them gently to fit into the batter. This detail not only gives an attractive look to the cake but also allows the flavors to combine perfectly during baking.

7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid affecting the rising process.

8. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the apricot cake plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar on top, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. You can also add a vanilla or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Possible variations:
Instead of apricots, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits such as peaches, plums, or apples. You can also add some ground nuts or coconut flakes to the mixture for a unique flavor and interesting texture.

This apricot cake is a perfect example of a simple and delicious recipe that can be adapted based on preferences and available ingredients. Enjoy every slice and savor the aroma of fresh fruits!