Apple cake with honey glaze

Apple Cake with Honey Glaze: A Delight for All Ages

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of flavors and textures of cakes! Today, I will guide you step by step through the recipe for an apple cake with honey glaze, a perfect choice for kids and those who love sweets. This cake is not just a simple dessert; it is a combination of flavors that reminds you of warm autumn days when apples are at their peak freshness.

Brief history: Apple cakes have been made for centuries in various cultures, appreciated for the natural sweetness of apples and their versatility. Additionally, honey has been used as a sweetener since ancient times, holding a special symbolism in many culinary traditions. The combination of apples and honey is, therefore, a tribute to nature and simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 175 g butter (at room temperature, to incorporate easily into the dough)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar (can be adjusted according to preferences)
- 400 g flour (use type 000 wheat flour for a fluffier dough)
- about 100 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons liquid honey (preferably flower honey for a delicate taste)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended to enhance flavors)
- juice of one lemon (to prevent the apples from oxidizing)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for a fluffy texture)
- a pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

Useful tips for your ingredients:

1. Apples: Choose fresh apples, free from spots or bruises. Tart apples provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate evenly and avoid lumps.
3. Lemon: Lemon juice not only prevents the apples from oxidizing but also adds a fresh note to the cake.
4. Honey: Substitute honey with brown sugar for a more intense flavor, depending on your preferences.

Step by step in making the cake:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples, removing the cores, and slicing them thinly. Immediately sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. This step is essential to keep the apples looking beautiful and appetizing.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important that the temperature remains constant for even baking.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar. Use a mixer to beat the mixture until creamy and fluffy. This step will give the cake an airy texture.

4. Incorporating the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important for the eggs to be at room temperature for better incorporation.

5. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the bowl with butter and eggs, alternating with the milk. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

6. Assembling the cake: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the dough evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top of the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed for even baking.

7. Glazing with honey: Gently heat the honey in a double boiler or microwave to make it more fluid. Use a kitchen brush to coat the apple slices with honey. This step will not only add a layer of sweetness but will also help form a golden crust.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean).

9. Cooling and decorating: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. After it has completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon for a special look and an extra burst of flavor.

What to serve alongside: This apple cake with honey glaze is perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of mint tea. Add a dollop of natural whipped cream for a decadent experience!

Possible variations: You can customize your cake by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as tart or sweeter varieties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even pineapple chunks can be delicious alternatives.

2. How can I prevent the dough from puffing up? Make sure not to add too much milk or overmix the dough after adding the flour.

3. Can I make the cake gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum.

4. How do I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze it to enjoy later.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of apple cake contains approximately 250 calories, providing a decent source of vitamins and minerals, especially from the apples and eggs. Apples are rich in fiber, contributing to healthy digestion, while honey adds a boost of antioxidants.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The apple cake with honey glaze will surely become a family recipe that you will repeat with love. Let's enjoy every slice together!