Apple cake in jelly

Apple Jelly Cake - A Sweet and Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 3 hours and 50 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12

This apple jelly cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a party, a family lunch, or simply to indulge in a delicious dessert. Combining the light texture of the sponge cake with the sweet flavor of apples and the shiny jelly, this dessert is sure to win your heart.

A Brief History of Apple Cake

Apple cake is a dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, with deep roots in culinary tradition. Apples, this versatile fruit, have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their combination with soft dough and jelly is a true delight. This recipe brings a fresh and modern twist, transforming a classic into a delicious masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 5 large yellow apples
- 1.5 cups of sugar (approximately 300 g)
- 300 ml water
- 1 packet of gelatin

For decoration:
- 3 red apples
- 50 g butter
- 2 packets of red (or clear) gel
- 200 ml juice drained from the yellow apples

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a better texture for the sponge.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a bowl, add the egg whites from the 5 eggs and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and compact.

3. Preparing the egg yolks: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons of oil until you achieve a smooth mixture.

4. Combining the mixtures: Gently fold the egg yolks into the egg white foam using a spatula, taking care to preserve the air in the egg whites.

5. Adding the flour: Sift the flour into the egg mixture, gently mixing again until there are no lumps.

6. Baking the sponge: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture into it. Level the surface and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the apple filling

7. Peeling and chopping the yellow apples: Peel the yellow apples and cut them into small cubes.

8. Cooking the apples: In a saucepan, add the apple cubes, 1.5 cups of sugar, and 300 ml of water. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples become soft.

9. Preparing the gelatin: Take 200 ml of the syrup obtained and allow it to cool slightly. In a small bowl, hydrate the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water, then melt it in a double boiler until it becomes liquid. Mix it with the apple syrup.

Step 3: Preparing the red apples

10. Washing and slicing the red apples: Wash the red apples well, then cut them in half, removing the seeds and core. Slice them thinly, keeping the skin on.

11. Sautéing the apples: In a skillet, melt 50 g of butter and add the slices of red apples. Sauté them for a few seconds until they become slightly golden, then remove them and let them cool.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

12. Layering the cake: Place the first sponge layer in a tray (a tray with adjustable sides is ideal). Pour the yellow apple cubes along with the syrup containing the melted gelatin over it.

13. Adding the second sponge layer: Carefully place the second sponge layer on top of the apple filling.

14. Decorating with red apples: Arrange the sautéed red apple slices in a scale pattern over the entire surface of the cake.

15. Preparing the jelly: Following the instructions on the gel packet, prepare the jelly using the remaining syrup. Pour it hot over the slices of red apples.

Step 5: Cooling and serving

16. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the jelly to set.

17. Cutting and serving: Once the cake has cooled and the jelly has set, cut it into desired shapes and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Choose a quality flour for a fluffier sponge. Low-protein flour is ideal.
- Apples: Yellow apples contribute sweetness, while red apples add a pleasant contrast both visually and in taste. You can experiment with different types of apples, but make sure to have a mix of sweet and tart varieties.
- Gelatin: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Nutritional Information

This apple jelly cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. On average, a slice of cake contains about 180 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can replace the apples with peaches, apricots, or berries, adjusting the cooking time according to the chosen fruit.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use tarter apples.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may end up with a denser texture. In this case, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a glass of cold lemonade, making it a refreshing and comforting dessert for summer. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce adds a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and adapt it to your taste! Each bite will take you on a culinary journey full of flavor and joy. Enjoy!