Apple cake

Caramelized Apple Cake – A Fluffy and Aromatic Delight

Get ready to indulge your taste buds with a delicious and aromatic apple cake, perfect for any occasion! This cake recipe will bring joy and warmth to your heart, making it an excellent choice for quick desserts with a special impact. From the sweet aroma of caramelized apples to the fluffy base, each bite will be a true delight.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10

Necessary ingredients

For the apple filling:
- 4-5 apples (choose soft-fleshed apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 100g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (to preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the vanilla pudding:
- 700 ml lemon-flavored sparkling water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding

For the cookie base:
- 200g cookies (digestive or butter cookies)
- 100g melted butter

For the cake batter:
- 4 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa or instant coffee (for a more intense flavor)
- A pinch of salt

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the apples
Start by peeling the apples and cutting them into small cubes. In a large bowl, add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice over the apples. Mix well to combine the flavors. This mixture will not only add sweetness but also a hint of acidity to balance the cake's taste.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla pudding
In a saucepan, bring the lemon-flavored sparkling water and sugar to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, add the two packets of vanilla pudding. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. After about 2-3 minutes, when the pudding thickens, let it cool for 15 minutes. At this point, you can enjoy the vanilla aroma filling the kitchen.

Step 3: Combining apples with pudding
Once the pudding has cooled slightly, add it over the prepared apples. Mix well until the apples are completely coated in pudding. This mixture will become the delicious filling of your cake.

Step 4: Preparing the cookie base
Crush the cookies using a rolling pin or a food processor until they become fine powder. Mix the cookie powder with the melted butter until you get a homogeneous mixture. This mixture will form the crunchy base of the cake.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Grease a cake pan with butter and evenly line it with the cookie mixture. Make sure it is well pressed to form a thicker layer. Then add the apple and pudding mixture evenly distributed.

Step 6: Preparing the cake batter
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add flour, cocoa, or instant coffee, and a pinch of salt, mixing gently until smooth. Pour this mixture over the apples in the pan.

Step 7: Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for about 50 minutes, or until the cake is firm and has a golden color. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine perfectly. Once cooled, turn the cake onto a platter and decorate with whipped cream, if desired.

Practical tips and variations

- Use different varieties of apples for an interesting flavor combination.
- If you want a more sophisticated taste, add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple mixture.
- You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey for a healthier version.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant herbal tea.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, positively impacting heart health and the digestive system. The vanilla pudding adds a note of calcium, while the base provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums, or even berries, adjusting the cooking time according to their firmness.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It usually stays fresh for up to 3 days.

3. What drinks pair best with this cake?
A fragrant coffee or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the cake's sweetness. Also, a sweet white wine can be an elegant choice.

This caramelized apple cake recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. So, don't hesitate to try it and share your impressions! Enjoy!