Apple pie

The perfect dessert for days when fruits lose a bit of their initial charm – the caramelized apple cake is the ideal solution. Whether you have a few less attractive apples in the fridge or simply want a dessert that brings a touch of warmth to cool days, this recipe is simple, delicious, and full of flavors. Plus, it's a great opportunity to treat family and friends to a quick and tasty dessert.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3 eggs
- 1 and a half cups of sugar
- 1 cup of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Flour as needed (about 3-4 cups, depending on humidity)

For the apple filling:
- 6-7 apples (ideal, but you can also use pears or peaches)
- Sugar (adjust according to how tart the apples are; starting from 100g)
- 2 tablespoons of cinnamon (you can experiment with 1 tablespoon of nutmeg for an even richer flavor)

Preparation

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling the apples and removing the core. Even if they look a bit worn, the healthy part of the apples will add natural sweetness to your cake. Grate the apples on a large grater and put them in a saucepan over low heat. Add a cup of sugar and stir continuously. This is the stage where the apples will release their juice, and the sugar will form a delicious syrup. Add the cinnamon and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the juice has evaporated a bit and the apples become softer. This process will intensify the flavor and create a caramelized apple filling that will turn the cake into a delight.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk them vigorously with a whisk, gradually adding the remaining sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes frothy. This is the secret to having a fluffy dough. Then add the oil and continue mixing. Start incorporating the flour, alternating with the baking powder. Add the flour gradually until you achieve the right consistency – the dough should be thick enough but flow easily from a spoon.

3. Assembling:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking tray with oil, then dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour about 60% of the dough into the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula or your oiled hand. Now, add the caramelized apple filling, spreading it evenly over the dough. Then pour the remaining dough over the apples, using a piping bag or a spoon to ensure everything is covered.

4. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 20-30 minutes, or until it turns golden on top and passes the toothpick test. When ready, let it cool slightly before dusting it with sugar and cinnamon – this final detail will add an attractive look and an irresistible aroma.

5. Serving:
Cut the cake into squares and serve it warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. I assure you it will quickly become your favorite!

Practical tips

- Choosing apples: Tart apples are ideal for this recipe, but you can experiment with a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced taste.
- Variations: Replace cinnamon with vanilla or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. An interesting idea would be to add a splash of rum to the apple filling for a richer flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but I recommend enjoying it as soon as possible for freshness.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet. Combining them with eggs, oil, and sugar makes this cake a more balanced choice for a dessert, especially due to the fiber in apples, which aids digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even plums. Each fruit brings a unique flavor.

2. What can I do if the dough is too liquid?
Gradually add flour until it reaches the desired consistency. This also depends on the humidity in the air and the type of flour used.

3. How can I make the cake healthier?
Replace some of the sugar with honey or natural sweeteners, and the oil can be replaced with applesauce to reduce calories.

Conclusion

The caramelized apple cake is a dessert that combines tradition with innovation, having the power to transform even the most ordinary apples into something truly special. This simple and delicious recipe will pamper you with warm and comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy cooking!