Apple pie

Delicious Apple Cake Recipe for Carolers

Often, during the cold season, when nature dresses in festive attire, the desire to bring a touch of warmth to the hearts of loved ones transforms into the wish to share treats with those who visit us. This apple cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a symbol of hospitality and the joy of giving. Whether you are welcoming carolers or pampering your family, this apple cake will surely impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk or cream
- 2 heaping tablespoons of lard (or butter)

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart apples for a pleasant contrast)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon

Preparing the cake

1. Wash and prepare the apples: Start by washing the apples well. You can choose fresh, seasonal apples for better flavor. Grate them using a large grater, then add the 5 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix all the ingredients well and set aside to allow the flavors to combine.

2. Preparing the dough: On a clean surface, sift the flour and add the sugar, baking soda mixed with vinegar, egg, a pinch of salt, milk or cream, and lard. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to dry it out.

3. Dividing the dough: Once you have a uniform dough, divide it into two equal parts. This step will help you obtain two thin sheets of dough that will wrap around the apple filling.

4. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out one part of the dough into a rectangular sheet. Make sure the sheet is large enough to fit in the baking tray you will use, which you have lined with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the filling: Evenly place the grated apples on top of the dough sheet, ensuring that they are distributed evenly for a well-balanced cake. Then roll out the other sheet of dough and cover the apples. You can poke it with a fork on top to allow steam to escape during baking, which will help achieve a tender texture.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cake in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes, or until it is nicely browned on top. It is ideal for the cake to cool completely before slicing, as the flavors will intensify and the texture will be much more pleasant.

7. Serving: After the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or a mug of mulled wine, and its aroma will surely bring a smile to the faces of the carolers.

Helpful tips

- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to add more sugar to the apple mixture. Tart apples may require a larger amount of sugar to achieve a pleasant balance.
- Variations: You can experiment with adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor. You can also replace cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different aroma.
- Nutritional benefits: Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, making this cake a healthier choice compared to other sweets.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace apples with pears or peaches, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you keep it longer, you can place it in the refrigerator.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

This apple cake is not just a simple dessert, but a way to bring joy and warmth into our homes, just as the carolers wish. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its wonderful aroma and taste!