Apple Half Cake

Apple Half Cake - a classic and delicious recipe

I invite you to discover with me a truly special recipe: the apple half cake. This dessert is not only an excellent choice for any occasion, but it will also bring a touch of nostalgia to your culinary memories. The apples, with their sweet-sour aroma, perfectly combined with a fluffy composition, make this cake an ideal choice to indulge yourself and treat your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 500 g apples (choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Golden)
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter (for a richer taste, I recommend butter)
- 6 eggs (at room temperature for better foaming)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 6 tablespoons flour (plain wheat flour is ideal)
- 6 tablespoons water (to improve texture)
- 100 g whipped cream (for serving)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the apples. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. If the apples are very juicy or hard, add a drop of margarine in the seed cavity to help them bake evenly.

2. Greasing the pan: Take a round baking pan and generously grease it with butter. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a creamy mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, gradually add the water and flour, continuously mixing until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until a firm foam forms and their volume doubles. This step is crucial to ensure a fluffy texture for the cake.

5. Combining the mixtures: Carefully add the beaten egg whites over the yolk mixture. Use a spatula and mix with circular motions to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

6. Arranging in the pan: Place the apple halves in the greased pan, cut side up, and pour the obtained mixture over them. Make sure the apples are evenly covered.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the pan in the oven. Let the cake bake for about 45 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick test comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Then, place a plate on top of the pan and carefully flip the cake. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Serving suggestions

The apple half cake is ideally served cold, perfect for facing the summer heat. You can add a few tablespoons of whipped cream on top for extra flavor. Give it an elegant touch with a few slices of fresh apple or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a more complex taste.

Tips and variations

- Ingredient variations: You can add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the mixture to enhance the flavors.
- Alternative fruits: Instead of apples, you can experiment with pears or peaches, which will behave similarly during baking.
- Improving texture: Add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a crunchy texture and a special taste.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, having health benefits such as supporting digestion and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, the cake contains protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter, offering you a balanced dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
- It is recommended to use fresh apples for optimal texture. Canned apples can add excess moisture and affect baking.

2. How can I store the cake?
- The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for long-term storage.

3. Can I substitute the flour with a gluten-free option?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to check the proportions, as some types of flour may require more liquid.

So, I wish you success in preparing this apple half cake! It is a simple yet flavorful dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment of preparing and savoring it!