Apple Cake

Apple Cake – A Fragrant and Comforting Delight

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, sometimes a simple and classic recipe like apple cake brings back the sweetest childhood memories. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an explosion of flavors, combining the sweetness of apples with the fluffy texture of the batter. Get ready to transform the simplest ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 70-80 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary Ingredients:

For the filling:
- 1 kg of sweet apples (choose quality apples, the best are those that remain firm after baking)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (adds a subtle fragrance)
- 1 cup of water (to help caramelize the apples)

For the batter:
- 2 eggs (at room temperature for a fluffier foam)
- 1 cup of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more complex taste)
- 2 cups of flour (for a fluffy texture)
- ½ cup of oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use light olive oil)
- 100 ml of milk (whole milk will make the batter softer)
- 1 packet of baking powder (to help the batter rise)
- 1 pinch of salt (fine salt to balance the sweetness)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an intensified flavor)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for a deeper taste)

Preparing the Filling:

1. Peel and slice the apples: Start by peeling the apples. Cut them into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Boil the apples: In a medium-sized pot, add the water, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil.
3. Add the apples: Once the mixture starts to boil, add the apple slices. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the apples become translucent and soften, and the liquid reduces. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Batter:

1. Separate the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to keep the egg whites clean, without any yolk drops, to achieve a firm foam.
2. Beat the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites at medium speed, gradually adding the sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes a firm foam, but do not overdo it.
3. Add the yolks: Incorporate the yolks, salt, and essences (vanilla sugar and rum essence) and beat for another 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the oil and milk, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.
5. Add the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder into the egg mixture and mix gently until everything is well incorporated.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil or butter and dust it with flour.
2. Add the apples: Once the apples are ready, spread them evenly on the bottom of the baking tray.
3. Pour the batter: Pour the batter mixture over the apples, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the batter turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Invert the cake: After removing it from the oven, let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a large plate, so the apples are on top.

Serving:

To add a touch of refinement, serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This combination will enhance the flavors and turn the dessert into a true delicacy.

Nutritional Benefits:

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to healthy digestion and boosting the immune system. Additionally, the oil and eggs in the batter provide healthy fats and essential proteins. In total, a serving of apple cake offers about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Healthy Variant:

For a healthier version, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and white flour with whole wheat or almond flour. You can also add chopped nuts to the batter to enrich the texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, tart apples will add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the batter.
- How can I store the cake? It stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing for easier consumption.

Complementary Recipes:

This apple cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or a strong espresso. Also, for a festive meal, you can accompany it with a fresh fruit salad or crunchy cookies.

Personal Note: This apple cake recipe is one of my favorites, being a perfect choice for any occasion. The memory of spending days in the kitchen with my grandmother, preparing this dessert, makes me feel at home every time I make it. Whether it's a weekend brunch or a gathering with friends, this cake will surely bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!