Apple pie

Apple Cake: The Sweet Delight of Autumn

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to my kitchen, where the magic of ingredients transforms into unforgettable moments! Today, we will prepare a classic apple cake recipe together, a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will bring you a touch of nostalgia and comfort. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in a delicious dessert.

The history of apple cake is fascinating. It has been cherished throughout time in many cultures, symbolizing autumn and harvest. Apples, considered a superfood, add a note of freshness and sweetness, while the combination with nuts and apricot jam turns it into a true feast for the taste buds.

Our ingredients are simple, but each adds a burst of flavor. Let's discover them:

Ingredients:
- 250 g margarine (I recommend Rama margarine for a richer taste)
- 125 g sugar (white sugar is ideal, but you can also use brown sugar for a caramelized flavor)
- 1 egg (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 500 g flour (type 000 flour is perfect for a fluffy cake)
- 5 tablespoons of apricot jam (you can also try plum or cherry jam for a different variation)
- 100 g raisins (golden raisins add a touch of sweetness)
- 50 g walnuts (chopped or coarsely ground, depending on your preference)
- 1 kg apples (tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal)
- 1 lemon (lemon juice helps preserve the color of the apples and adds a touch of acidity)

Step by step:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the soft margarine and sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture. This is the perfect time to add the egg. Mix again until the egg is fully incorporated.

2. Sift the flour into the bowl, gently mixing with a spatula until the dough becomes homogeneous. Here, I recommend getting your hands involved! Gently knead the dough until it becomes elastic, but avoid overworking it, or the cake will become dense.

3. Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about an hour. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the apples. Peel the 5 apples, cut them in half, and core them. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with the juice of half a lemon to prevent oxidation.

5. After the dough has been in the fridge, take it out and divide it into two parts: one larger for the base of the cake and one smaller to cover the apples.

6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with margarine or line it with baking paper.

7. Using a rolling pin, roll out the larger portion of dough and place it in the tray, ensuring it reaches the sides as well. This will be the base of the cake that will hold all the delicious ingredients.

8. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the dough in the tray, then add the raisins and chopped walnuts. These ingredients will add a note of texture and flavor to the cake.

9. Place the apples cut side down on top of the jam layer. This will help the apples absorb the flavors and caramelize beautifully during baking.

10. Use the smaller portion of dough to cover the apples. Roll it out between two sheets of plastic wrap to achieve an even shape. Cover the apples with this dough, trying to seal it with the bottom of the tray.

11. If you want to give the cake a more attractive appearance, beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the cake with this mixture. This step will give the cake a golden and appetizing crust.

12. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until it becomes golden and nicely browned. The aroma that will fill the kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!

13. Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving:
This apple cake is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert. If you want to experiment, try it with homemade caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch!

Variations:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try replacing the apricot jam with a mix of berries or even melted chocolate! You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while walnuts contain healthy fats for the heart. This cake can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any type of apple is suitable, but tart ones provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the jam.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer.

3. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, butter can be successfully used, but the cake will have a richer taste and slightly different texture.

Now that you've discovered this delicious apple cake recipe, all that's left is to put on your apron and let your imagination soar in the kitchen! Enjoy every bite and share the joy of this dessert with your loved ones!