Apple pie

Apple Cake - A Delicacy Full of Memories and Unforgettable Flavors

Apple cake is a dessert that takes us back in time, to an era when every celebration was marked by the inviting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. This recipe is not just a dessert, but a story, a tradition that has brought families together around the table. Whether you prepare it with fragrant apples, jam, or a delicious cream, the apple cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. In this detailed guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare this delicious cake, full of nostalgia.

Ingredients for the cake layers:
- 11 tablespoons of sugar
- 11 tablespoons of milk
- 11 tablespoons of oil
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of ammonia
- Juice of one lemon
- 500-700 g of flour (approximately, enough for a dough of suitable firmness)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1.5 kg of apples
- Sugar (to taste)
- Vanilla sugar (to taste)
- Cinnamon (to taste)

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

The history of apple cake is closely linked to the culinary traditions of many families, becoming a staple at festive meals and beyond. Every housewife has her own recipe, but the essence remains the same: a perfect combination of tender layers and sweet-sour apple filling.

Preparing the cake layers

1. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Preheat the oven to 180°C to be ready to bake the layers once you have prepared them.
2. In a saucepan, add the 11 tablespoons of sugar, 11 tablespoons of milk, and 11 tablespoons of oil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar melts and the mixture becomes a homogeneous, slightly thick paste. It is important not to boil too much, just to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the egg yolks and the ammonia quenched with lemon juice. Mix well until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.
4. Start adding the flour gradually until you obtain a dough of suitable firmness. It is important not to add all the flour at once; this way you will better control the consistency of the dough.
5. Divide the dough into three equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a thin layer, making sure it is not too thick, so it bakes evenly.
6. Line the baking tray with parchment paper and place the layers on the back of it. Bake each layer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. Be careful not to let them brown too much, as the layers need to remain tender.

Preparing the apple filling

1. While the layers are baking, prepare the filling. Peel the apples and grate them. This will add a fresh and aromatic taste to your cake.
2. Place the grated apples in a pan and add sugar (to taste), vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Cook them over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juice.
3. After the apples have cooled, let them drain excess liquid. This step is important, as it will prevent the cake layers from becoming soggy.

Assembling the cake

1. Make sure the layers are completely cool before starting to assemble the cake. Place the first layer on a platter, then add a generous layer of apples. Continue with the second layer, followed by another layer of apples, and finish with the last layer.
2. You can decide to dust the cake with powdered sugar or prepare a chocolate glaze. If you choose the glaze, melt the chocolate with a bit of cream and pour it evenly over the cake.
3. It is recommended to let the cake rest for at least one night in the refrigerator for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving and suggestions

Once the apple cake is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! It can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream, which will add a refined contrast to the sweetness of the cake. A hot tea or mulled wine will perfectly complement this traditional dessert, turning it into a true celebration of flavors.

Variations and tips

- If you want to experiment with the filling, you can add ground nuts or raisins for an extra flavor boost.
- Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences.
- You can prepare cocoa layers to create a cake with a unique appearance and taste.

Nutritional information

A serving of apple cake has approximately 250 calories, being a good source of fiber due to the apples. Moreover, it is a healthier choice than many other desserts, having a moderate content of fats and sugars.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
Yes, you can use canned apples, but make sure to drain them well before using.

2. Is the chocolate glaze necessary?
No, the glaze is optional; the cake is delicious without it.

3. How can I store the cake?
The apple cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week.

I hope this apple cake recipe inspires you to prepare it for yourself and your loved ones. Each bite will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy, turning any moment into a celebration. Cook with love and savor every moment!