Apple Cake

Apple Cake: Fragrant and Delicate

Welcome to the world of pastry delights! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for apple cake that not only combines the aroma of fresh fruits with a fluffy texture but also brings back sweet childhood memories. It is a versatile and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion—from a daytime snack to a delicious dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed for 2 loaf pans:
- 4 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 100 ml oil
- 100 ml cold water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 4 apples (preferably not too soft)
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Brief history
The cake is a traditional dessert, known in various forms and flavors, rooted in the art of baking. Over time, cakes have been adapted using fruits, nuts, or even chocolate. In our recipe, fresh apples add a delicious taste and moisture that makes each slice perfect.

Step by step: Making the cake

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fluffier cake. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Separating the eggs
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another bowl.

3. Beating the yolks
Beat the yolks with 150 g of sugar using a mixer until they become light in color and double in volume. It’s essential to achieve an airy mixture that will give the cake a fine texture.

4. Adding oil and water
Gradually add 100 ml of oil, mixing as if making mayonnaise, then add 100 ml of cold water and a pinch of salt. This step is important to ensure the necessary moisture of the cake.

5. Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 150 g of sugar until you obtain a firm foam. This step will add volume and airiness to the cake.

6. Combining the ingredients
To the yolk mixture, add the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s important to mix with folding motions to keep the air in the egg whites.

7. Adding the flour
Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture and gently mix. Make sure there are no lumps, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake denser.

8. Preparing the apples
Peel the apples and sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Cut some of the apples into small cubes and slice the rest. Mix the apple pieces with lemon zest and vanilla sugar.

9. Pouring into pans
Grease two loaf pans with oil and dust them with flour. Fill each pan with batter halfway, then add the apple pieces. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter.

10. Baking
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

11. Cooling and serving
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. Serve warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee.

Practical tips
- Use Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples for excellent flavor.
- If you want an even more aromatic cake, add cinnamon or chopped nuts to the batter.
- You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier cake.

Nutritional information
This apple cake recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a healthy option due to the fresh fruits. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, the recipe can easily be adapted using pears, peaches, or even dried fruits.
- How do I keep the cake fresh? Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 4 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds.

Delicious variations
For a unique culinary experience, try adding a splash of rum to the batter or experimenting with different vanilla extract flavors. This apple cake is versatile and can quickly become a favorite recipe in your household.

I hope you will try this apple cake recipe and discover how simple and enjoyable it is to prepare a delicious dessert that brings joy in every slice! Enjoy!