APPLE CAKE

DELICIOUS APPLE CAKE: A CLASSIC RECIPE WITH A MODERN TWIST

Who doesn't love an apple cake? This recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a true story that combines flavors, textures, and memories. Apple cake evokes thoughts of family moments, festive meals, and strolls through orchards. That's why today I invite you to make an apple cake together with a fluffy base, caramelized apples, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 7 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- 250 g flour
- 250 g sugar (for the egg whites)
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar (or 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- Ground walnuts (optional, for added texture)

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose sweet and tart varieties, like Granny Smith)
- 750 g sugar (for caramelization)
- 250 ml water (about one cup)
- 1 small bottle of rum essence (or to taste)
- Nuts (optional, for a crunchy contrast)

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (ideally LaDorna cream for whipping)
- Fresh fruits (for decoration, such as strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi slices)

Step by step: The complete guide to a perfect apple cake

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation. The apples should be fresh and fragrant, and the vanilla sugar can be homemade or store-bought. It’s important to have all the ingredients measured and ready to facilitate the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the base

1. Separate the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. This is a crucial step, as the egg whites will become the airy base of the cake.

2. Mix the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks and the 7 tablespoons of oil. Add a pinch of salt and mix well until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture.

3. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. When they become fluffy, gradually add 250 g of sugar and the 5 packets of vanilla sugar. Continue beating until the mixture is firm and glossy.

4. Combine the mixtures: Slowly fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions to preserve the air in the whites.

5. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and continue to gently mix. If desired, you can add ground walnuts now for a richer texture.

Step 3: Bake the base

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a cake pan (about 26 cm in diameter) by greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour.

2. Pour the cake batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. After baking, let the cake cool on a rack.

Step 4: Prepare the caramelized apples

1. Peel the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Avoid wedges or slices to achieve a uniform texture.

2. Caramelize: In a large pot, add 750 g of sugar and let it melt over medium heat. Do not stir in the first few minutes. Once the sugar starts to melt, add the chopped apples and 250 ml of water. Don’t worry if the caramelized sugar hardens; it will return to liquid as the apples release their juice.

3. Cook the apples: Add the rum essence and, if desired, the ground walnuts. Let the mixture simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the juice released by the apples reduces and turns into a thick syrup.

4. Once the apples are cooked, let them cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble the cake

1. Soak the base: Once the cake has completely cooled, you can soak it with the remaining syrup from the apples to add moisture and flavor.

2. Add the caramelized apples: Evenly distribute the caramelized apples on top of the cake base.

Step 6: Decorate the cake

1. Whipped cream: Whip the cream until it becomes firm, and you can add a bit of powdered sugar to taste. Use it to decorate the cake.

2. Fresh fruits: Add fresh fruits on top of the cake for a vibrant look and fresh taste.

Serving suggestions

The apple cake is delicious served warm, but also at room temperature. It can be accompanied by vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a perfect contrast.

Possible variations

- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a more aromatic flavor.
- If you enjoy chocolate desserts, add dark chocolate chunks to the batter.
- Substitute apples with pears or peaches for a seasonal twist.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples? It is recommended to use fresh apples to achieve the best texture and flavor.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar used in the batter and filling, but ensure you maintain the balance of flavors.
3. How long can the cake be stored? The cake can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Nutritional information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 6 g

This apple cake is an excellent choice to impress guests or simply to treat yourself after a long day. Each bite is filled with flavor and warmth, just what you need to add a little joy to every day. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s enjoy cooking!