Apple cake with caramelized sugar

Apple and Caramelized Sugar Cake: A Refreshing and Affordable Delicacy

I invite you to discover a delicious, simple, and very accessible recipe: the apple and caramelized sugar cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be prepared with minimal effort. Moreover, the combination of juicy apples with caramelized sugar adds a touch of magic to every slice. Let’s embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients needed:

- 4 medium apples (preferably sweet and aromatic, such as Golden or Fuji apples)
- 9 tablespoons of sugar (to be used for both caramelization and cake batter)
- 4 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour will be added gradually)
- 200 g of whipped cream (for a delicious topping)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil is ideal)
- 4 chocolate cubes (for decoration, optional)

Step 1: Preparing the caramelized sugar

Start by caramelizing the sugar. In a saucepan, add 6 tablespoons of sugar and place the saucepan over low heat. It is important not to stir the sugar at this stage, but to let it melt gradually. Notice that it will liquefy and turn golden. Be careful not to over-caramelize it, as overly brown sugar becomes bitter. Once the sugar is liquid and has a golden color, carefully pour it onto the walls of the saucepan, allowing it to cool.

Step 2: Preparing the apples

Meanwhile, wash the apples and peel them. Grate them on a large grater and evenly place them in the saucepan lined with caramelized sugar. These apples will give a sweet-sour taste to your cake, and the caramelization will add a crunchy note. Place the saucepan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let the apples bake for 10 minutes. This step will intensify the flavor of the apples and help form a delicious layer for the batter to rest on.

Step 3: Preparing the cake batter

Now that the apples are in the oven, it’s time to focus on the batter. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 3 tablespoons of sugar until frothy. This process will add air to the cake, making it fluffier. Then, add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue by adding the oil in a thin stream, ensuring it is evenly incorporated. Finally, sprinkle the flour gradually, gently folding it in with a spatula to avoid losing air in the batter.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

Carefully remove the saucepan from the oven and let the apples cool for 5 minutes. Then, pour the cake batter over the caramelized apples, making sure it is evenly distributed. Put the saucepan back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check if the cake is done by doing the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is perfect.

Step 5: Cooling and serving the cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, turn the cake onto a plate so that the apples are on top. Level the apples gently, if necessary, to achieve an even appearance. Let it cool completely. After it has cooled, dress the cake with whipped cream and sprinkle grated chocolate on top for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions and variations

This apple and caramelized sugar cake pairs excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm beverage, such as herbal tea or flavored coffee. You can further personalize it by adding nuts or almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the fluffy cake.

If you want to try a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with applesauce or soy yogurt, and the oil with coconut oil.

Nutritional information

This cake is a light option, considering it uses simple and natural ingredients. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, being rich in fiber from the apples and easy to digest due to the oil content. Apples are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I tell if the cake is done?
- The toothpick test is the safest way: if the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake, it is baked.

2. What type of apples is recommended?
- Sweet apples, such as Golden or Fuji, are ideal, but you can use any type you prefer.

3. Can I use brown sugar for caramelization?
- Yes, brown sugar will add a more complex caramel flavor.

I hope this apple and caramelized sugar cake recipe brings a smile to your face and becomes a favorite in your family. Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones and enjoy every slice! Cooking is an art, and you are the artist!