Apple Cake

Apple Cake – A Delight with Apples and Lemon Cream

Who hasn’t felt the warmth of a freshly baked cake, with enticing aromas filling the house? The Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a blend of textures and flavors that invites you to indulge with every slice. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones and creates beautiful memories around the table. Let’s share this simple yet refined recipe that can quickly become your family’s favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Total: 3 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 8 g)

For Cream I:
- 400 ml milk (use whole milk for a richer cream)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- Zest and juice of one fresh lemon

For Cream II:
- 6-7 apples (choose sweet and aromatic varieties like Golden apples)
- Cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 packet of liquid cream (about 200 ml)

Preparing the Base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure the bowl is clean and free of grease so the egg whites can whip well.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.

3. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks, one at a time, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid deflating the egg whites.

4. Folding in the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and vanilla sugar. Gradually add them, folding gently from the bottom up to maintain a fluffy texture.

5. Baking the bases: Divide the batter between two baking trays lined with parchment paper, and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done!

6. Cooling the bases: Remove the bases from the oven and, while they are still warm, carefully peel them off the parchment paper to avoid breaking. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the Creams

Cream I:

1. Cooking the ingredients: In a heatproof bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and milk. Place it over a double boiler and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

2. Adding the butter and flavors: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter, lemon zest, and juice. Mix well until smooth.

Cream II:

1. Preparing the apples: Wash, peel, and grate the apples. You can add a pinch of cinnamon for a more intense flavor. Sauté them briefly in a pan, then let them drain in a colander.

2. Whipping the cream: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and airy. Once the apples have cooled, fold them into half of the whipped cream gently.

Assembling the Cake

1. First layer: Place the first base on a serving platter and spread the lemon cream evenly over it.

2. Second layer: Add the second base, pressing gently to secure it.

3. Apple cream: Top the cake with the apple and cream mixture, spreading it evenly.

4. Decoration: Use the remaining whipped cream to decorate the cake. You can use a spatula or piping bag to create elegant shapes.

5. Final cooling: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This step is essential for the flavors to meld and for clean cuts.

Helpful Tips

- Choosing the apples: Sweet and aromatic apples are crucial for a delicious cake. You can experiment with different varieties for a unique flavor.
- Serving: The Apple Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. It offers a delightful contrast between the cake's sweetness and the bitterness of black coffee.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple cream for added texture. Additionally, substituting lemon with orange can provide a different citrus note.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Apple Cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fats: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use a different type of sweetener? Yes, you can experiment with natural or artificial sweeteners, but make sure to maintain the necessary proportions.
- Can the cake be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze the cake with whipped cream, but the bases and cream can be frozen separately.
- How do I know if the base is baked? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it has traces of batter, bake it for a few more minutes.

The Apple Cake is a recipe that brings joy and warmth to every corner of your home. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat your family, it’s a dessert that will never disappoint. So, put on your chef’s apron and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!