Apple Cake (Vegan)

Vegan Apple Cake - A Delight for the Senses

Apple cake is a classic dessert that reminds us of family moments, sweet and comforting aromas of childhood. In this recipe, we aim to transform a traditional dessert into a vegan version, just as delicious and satisfying. It’s a perfect dessert for days when we crave something sweet but want to maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 65 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

- 11 medium apples (choose sweet and fragrant ones, like Golden apples)
- 1 cup soy milk (for a creamy texture)
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1/2 cup oil (sunflower oil is ideal for this recipe)
- Zest of one orange (adds a fresh taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to make the dough fluffy)
- 1 vanilla extract (optional, but adds a wonderful aroma)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance the sweetness)
- About 1 cup and 1/4 flour (whole wheat flour is a very healthy option)
- 5 tablespoons sugar for caramel (for sweetness and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon margarine (for extra flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for a hint of vanilla)
- Strawberry jam (or other preferred jam for filling)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by washing and peeling the apples. Use a small knife or a special tool to remove the core. You can choose to leave the apples whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.

2. Caramelizing the sugar:
In a saucepan, add the 5 tablespoons of sugar and caramelize it over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the sugar turns golden, spread it evenly on the bottom and sides of the saucepan. Let it cool slightly.

3. Filling the apples:
Place the apples in the saucepan, and in each core hole, add a tablespoon of jam. This filling will provide a delicious taste and interesting texture.

4. Adding flavors:
In a bowl, combine the soy milk with the sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the oil, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and orange zest. This will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your dessert.

5. Preparing the dough:
Incorporate the baking powder and flour, mixing well to avoid lumps. You should achieve a homogeneous dough that is slightly thicker than pancake batter.

6. Combining the ingredients:
After 25 minutes of baking the apples, remove the saucepan and pour the batter over the apples. Make sure the dough covers the apples well.

7. Baking the cake:
Place the saucepan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let the cake bake for about 40 minutes. Check if it’s done using a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

8. Cooling and serving:
Remove the cake from the oven and, while it’s still warm, turn it onto a plate. This step is important to prevent sticking to the jam. Let it cool completely. You can serve it plain, but if you want to dress it with vegan whipped cream, it will look even more appetizing!

Useful tips:

- Choose apples with a firm texture to hold up well during baking.
- You can replace the strawberry jam with plum or peach jam for a surprising variant.
- The apple cake pairs perfectly with a cup of mint tea or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and using soy milk provides a boost of plant protein. This vegan cake is a healthy and tasty option that can be included in various diets.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of plant milk?
Yes, you can experiment with almond or oat milk!

- How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

- Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze it, but make sure to let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

This vegan apple cake is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to explore new combinations of flavors and textures. I recommend you try it and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite!