Apple pie

Apple Cake - An Autumn Delight in Every Slice

If you love the perfect combination of flavors and textures, this apple cake recipe is all you need! It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, ideal for a quick dessert that will impress both family and friends. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicious cake, but first, let’s enjoy a little of its history.

Apple cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a popular dessert in many cultures. It is a symbol of autumn, a wonderful way to make the most of seasonal fruits and bring warmth to the hearts of loved ones. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of tea or creamy ice cream, each slice is a sweet memory.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 150 g sugar (plus sugar for apples, to taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 350-400 g flour (enough for a firm but elastic dough)
- 4-500 g grated apples, drained of juice
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- 4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (or semolina)
- Oil for greasing the pan
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Step by step preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Soft butter will incorporate evenly into the dough, and the egg will help bind it. Choose fresh apples, preferably from a sweet-tart variety, like Granny Smith or Jonagold, for a balanced flavor.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, add the egg, sour cream, butter, and sugar. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Then, add the lemon zest, which will give a wonderful aroma to your cake.

3. Flour: Start incorporating the flour gradually. It is essential to add the flour step by step to maintain the desired consistency of the dough. Look for an elastic texture that does not stick to your hands but is soft enough to be rolled out.

4. Divide the dough: Once you have obtained the dough, divide it into two equal parts. This will form the two layers of your cake. I recommend covering one part of the dough with a damp towel to keep it moist and easy to handle.

5. Prepare the pan: Grease a pan with oil to prevent the cake from sticking. Use a medium-sized pan, approximately 30x20 cm.

6. Form the first layer: On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet. Place the sheet in the pan, pressing gently to set it evenly.

7. Apple filling: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the first layer. This will absorb excess moisture from the apples. Mix the grated apples with sugar and cinnamon - you can add tens or even hundreds of grams of sugar, depending on how sweet your apples are. Then, place the apple mixture over the breadcrumbs.

8. Add another layer of breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a little more breadcrumbs over the apples to protect them and add a crunchy layer.

9. Form the second layer: Roll out the second part of the dough and carefully place it over the apples. Make sure the dough is well rolled out to cover the entire surface.

10. Prick the dough: Use a fork to make small holes in the dough, which will help release steam during baking. This step is essential to prevent the dough from puffing up.

11. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 145°C. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and nicely browned. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible.

12. Final decoration: After the cake has cooled slightly, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This will add an elegant touch and a sweet taste, perfectly complementing the flavors.

13. Serving: Cut the cake into squares or slices and serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. This combination will turn any meal into a moment of indulgence.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more aromatic cake, you can add some chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling.
- Instead of sugar, you can experiment with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- If you like a more intense cinnamon flavor, don’t hesitate to add more to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, contributing to healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Additionally, using sour cream in the dough adds a creaminess without excessively loading the calories.

Calories:
A serving of apple cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
- Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or cherries are excellent choices that will add a different and pleasant taste.

2. What can I do with leftover cake?
- The apple cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can reheat it in the oven to bring back its crunchy texture.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
- You can add a splash of vanilla or rum essence to the dough for an even more refined taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hold back! Start preparing this apple cake today, and each bite will take you closer to the sweet memories of childhood. You have all the necessary ingredients, and the joy of cooking has never been greater!