Apple pie

Apple Cake with Sour Cherry Jam – A Refined Family Delicacy

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings back pleasant moments spent with family? The apple cake with sour cherry jam is a recipe that combines the sweet and tart taste of apples with the fluffy texture of the cake, making it perfect for celebrating special moments or simply to sweeten an ordinary day. This cake was created with much love for my 7-year-old niece, Maria, and I hope it becomes your favorite too!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 11 apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 200 g sugar (for caramelizing)
- Sour cherry jam (to taste, for filling)
- 500 ml liquid cream

For the batter:
- 4 eggs
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- Optional: fruit-shaped jelly (for decoration)

For the syrup:
- 1 glass of water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon

Steps for preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples and removing the seeds. I recommend choosing Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, as they have a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Once peeled, place them on a plate and fill each apple with sour cherry jam. The jam will provide a delicious contrast to the tartness of the apples.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pot, add the sugar and heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes caramel. Make sure not to burn it, as the bitter taste can ruin the dish. Once the sugar is caramelized, pour it onto the sides of the pot, ensuring it spreads evenly.

3. Baking the apples: Carefully place the filled apples in the pot, over the caramel, and put them in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes. This step is essential, as the heat will help the apples soften and absorb the caramel flavors.

4. Preparing the batter: Meanwhile, separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. In another bowl, beat the yolks with sugar and cold water, mixing well until a frothy cream forms. Then, gently fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing lightly from the bottom up to maintain the air in the mixture. Finally, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing carefully.

5. Finishing the cake: Once the apples are baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Gently pour the batter mixture over the caramelized apples and return to the oven for another 40 minutes on low heat. Check if it’s baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the batter is ready.

6. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, boil the water with sugar and lemon juice, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This syrup will add a moist and flavorful note to the cake layers.

7. Assembling the cake: After the cake has cooled completely, carefully cut it in half, making sure not to touch the apples. Soak each layer with the previously prepared syrup. Whip the cream with a mixer until firm and use some of it to fill the cake between the two layers. Then, place the top layer so that the apples are visible on top. Decorate with the remaining cream and, if desired, add fruit-shaped jelly for a more festive look.

8. Serving: Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, so the flavors combine perfectly. This cake is wonderful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Useful tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter by 50 g.
- Make sure the apples are well-baked, but not overcooked, to retain their structure and provide a pleasant texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion, and are low in calories. The cream, although higher in calories, provides a creamy and satisfying consistency, while the sour cherry jam adds extra vitamins and minerals.

This apple cake with sour cherry jam is a recipe that combines tradition with the joy of cooking for loved ones. Whether you are celebrating a special day or want to pamper your family, this dessert will bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy!