Apple pie

Apple cake with warmth and comfort flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

If you are looking for a simple and delicious recipe, the apple cake is the perfect choice. This quick dessert combines the sweetness of apples with the flavors of vanilla and lemon, creating an irresistible taste that will delight anyone. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg sour apples (you can use Granny Smith apples or other varieties you like)
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of flour
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil works best)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar for caramelization
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh flavor)
- Essences to taste (vanilla or rum)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for greasing the pan)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel the apples, making sure to remove all the seeds. If you choose to use smaller apples, you can leave them whole. For larger apples, cut them in half. This will allow the flavors to penetrate better. Use a special tool to remove the core, so the apples remain intact.

2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to heat evenly before inserting the cake.

3. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you get a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential as it will give the cake a fluffy texture.

4. Add the wet ingredients: Incorporate the water and oil, mixing gently to avoid creating air bubbles. Add the lemon zest and your chosen essence. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

5. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix slowly until the ingredients are well integrated. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense batter.

6. Prepare the pan: Grease a cake pan with butter, then sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Here, you can add the two tablespoons of sugar, which will caramelize during baking, providing a delicious crust.

7. Add the apples: Arrange the apples in the pan, either whole or halved, then pour the batter evenly over them. Make sure the apples are well covered.

8. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean. The cake should be golden and fluffy.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a platter. You can serve the cake warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Variation suggestion: You can add some chopped nuts or cinnamon to the batter for an even more complex flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as caramelized pears or peaches, to give a personal touch to your recipe.

This apple cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is an invitation to enjoy moments spent with family, enveloping everything in flavors and warmth. Make it with love and enjoy every bite!