Apple and Plum Cake

Apple and Plum Cake – A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the intense flavors of plums, this apple and plum cake is the perfect choice. It's a cake that blends textures and flavors, ideal for a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself over the weekend. Here’s how to prepare this delicious cake step by step.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12

Ingredients

- 750 g apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 600 g plums (ripe but firm plums)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent the apples from oxidizing)
- 4 eggs
- 225 g sugar (you can adjust according to your preferences)
- 200 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 250 ml sour cherry juice (natural juice for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet red Tort Gelee (to bind the mixture)
- 4 sheets of gelatin
- 300 g yogurt (natural yogurt for a creamy texture)
- 4 tablespoons orange juice (for a touch of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (the citrus aroma enhances the dessert)
- 400 ml whipped cream (for decoration and a rich taste)

A Bit of History

Apple and plum cake is a classic dessert, appreciated for centuries for its simplicity and versatility. Apples, a staple ingredient in many cultures, symbolize abundance and health, while the distinctive sweetness of plums perfectly complements the composition. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to use seasonal fruits, transforming them into a refined dessert.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Fruits

- Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Choose one apple for decoration and set it aside. Peel the remaining apples, cut them into cubes, and mix them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

2. Preparing the Base

- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with 150 g of sugar until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture.
- Incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder, then add the apple cubes.
- Pour the mixture into a greased cake pan (26 cm) and bake for 45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

3. Preparing the Plums

- Meanwhile, prepare the plums: pit them and slice them.
- Boil 500 g of plums with 250 ml of sour cherry juice. Add 25 g of sugar and the packet of Tort Gelee, stirring until everything dissolves.

4. Assembling the Cake

- Once the base has cooled, cut it into two layers.
- Place the ring of the cake pan around the bottom layer. Pour the plum mixture over the bottom layer and refrigerate for 60 minutes to set.

5. Yogurt Cream

- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water.
- Mix the yogurt with the orange juice and zest, along with 50 g of sugar.
- Dissolve the gelatin and incorporate it into the yogurt mixture.
- When the cream starts to set, add 200 ml of whipped cream. This will add an airy texture and delicious flavor.
- Pour the yogurt cream over the layer of plums and cover with the second layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

6. Decorating the Cake

- After the cake has set, carefully remove the ring from the pan.
- Frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream and decorate with apple slices (which you can brush with lemon juice to maintain their color) and plums.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Fruits: Make sure the apples are sweet and fragrant, and that the plums are ripe but firm. This will significantly influence the cake's flavor.
- Gelatin: If you don’t have gelatin on hand, you can use agar-agar, but be sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the apple mixture for an extra texture. Also, add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm and comforting aroma.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. It’s ideal for a festive meal or a lazy afternoon.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Plums are rich in antioxidants and can help maintain heart health. Yogurt adds a note of probiotics, beneficial for gut flora. Additionally, this cake is a healthier choice than many other desserts, allowing you to enjoy sweetness without too many calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute plums with other fruits? Absolutely! Peaches or apricots are excellent alternatives that can easily be integrated into the recipe.
- How long does the cake last? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but we recommend consuming it as soon as possible to enjoy the fresh flavors.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier cake with a denser texture, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquids.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! The apple and plum cake will delight you with its fine and aromatic taste, and your loved ones will surely enjoy this delicacy. Enjoy your meal!