Apple cake

Apple Cake: A Flavorful Delight for Special Moments

Are you looking for a simple and delicious recipe for a dessert that will delight your taste buds? The apple cake is the perfect choice! This classic, soft, and aromatic dessert is ideal for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to festive meals with family. Plus, its preparation does not require advanced cooking skills, making it accessible even for beginners. Let's embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 100 g of flour
- 50 g of starch (or a cocoa pudding)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 100 g of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 75 g of butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1 kg of apples (sweet and aromatic)

For the cream:
- 300 g of thick sour cream
- 100 g of yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 heaping teaspoon of cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

A Bit of History

Apple cake is a recipe that has transcended generations, appreciated for its sweet-sour taste and fluffy texture. Apples, a staple ingredient in many cultures, symbolize abundance and health. This dessert brings together tradition and innovation, being adaptable according to personal preferences. Moreover, apples are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making this recipe not only delicious but also healthy.

Step by Step: Preparing the Apple Cake

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the cake inside for even baking.

2. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and slice them very thinly. Choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Gala or Fuji, for a special taste. If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can add a splash of lemon juice over the slices to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, starch (or cocoa pudding), baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, cream the soft margarine with the sugar and vanilla sugar until fluffy. This is the stage where you can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well until fully incorporated.

5. Combining the ingredients: Pour the dry ingredient mixture over the wet mixture and gently mix with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Be careful not to overmix, to maintain the fluffy texture of the cake.

6. Preparing the pan: Grease a round high pan (with a removable bottom) with margarine and sprinkle a little flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the dough into the pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Adding the apples: Arrange the apple slices evenly over the surface of the dough. They will caramelize during baking, providing a delicious taste and wonderful texture.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. To facilitate handling, you can place the round pan in a rectangular one for more stability.

9. Preparing the cream: While the cake bakes, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the sour cream, yogurt, eggs, and cinnamon. This mixture will add a creamy and aromatic layer to your cake.

10. Finalizing the baking: After the cake has been removed from the oven, pour the cream evenly over it and bake for another 30-40 minutes, until the cream becomes golden and firm.

11. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, after which you can gently transfer it to a cooling rack. If desired, you can dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Even though the apples are sweet, the powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips

- Choosing apples: Opt for sweet apples, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, to avoid adding extra sugar.
- Variations: You can experiment with various flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste. You can also replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Serving: The apple cake is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain or alongside vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries, adjusting the baking time according to the chosen fruits.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake keeps well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can be consumed within 3-4 days.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a substitute (for example, 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg) and use vegan margarine.

Conclusion

The apple cake is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia to every slice. With each bite, you will enjoy the perfect combination of soft cake and the inviting flavors of caramelized apples. So, don't hesitate! Grab the ingredients and bring this delicious recipe to life. May every bite bring you smiles and beautiful memories!