Apple pie

Delicious Caramelized Apple Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet absolutely delicious dessert, caramelized apple cake is the perfect choice. This recipe is ideal for beginners, giving you the chance to familiarize yourself with basic baking techniques in a fun and enjoyable way. With a mix of sweet flavors and a fluffy texture, this cake will delight your taste buds. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For decoration:
- 3-4 apples (preferably sweet varieties like Golden or Gala, peeled and sliced)
- 5-6 tablespoons of sugar

For the sponge cake:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- a pinch of baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 150°C (300°F). This step is essential, as a well-heated oven will ensure even baking and a fluffy cake.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: Take a cake pan (preferably medium-sized, about 20-25 cm) and add the 5-6 tablespoons of sugar. Place the pan over low heat and let the sugar melt. It's important to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the sugar turns golden and becomes liquid, spread it evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan. This process will create a delicious caramelized crust that the apples will sit on.

3. Preparing the apples: After the sugar has caramelized, arrange the apple slices evenly on the bottom and sides of the pan. They will absorb the sweet flavor of the caramel and add a wonderful taste to the cake.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is a crucial step, as the incorporated air will make the cake fluffy.

5. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve stiff peaks. This step adds volume and lightness to the cake.

6. Combining the ingredients: Gently pour the whipped egg whites over the egg yolk mixture and fold slowly using a spatula to avoid losing the air in the batter. Then, add the sifted flour, baking powder, and oil. Mix gently until all the ingredients are well combined. You will get a soft yet consistent batter.

7. Pouring the batter: Carefully pour the batter over the caramelized apples in the cake pan. Make sure the batter evenly covers the apples so they are well wrapped.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for about 15-20 minutes. It's important to check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

9. Inverting the cake: Carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use a flat surface or a plate to invert the cake so that the caramelized apples are on top. This detail not only enhances the cake's appearance but also its flavor!

10. Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.

Larger version: If you want to impress your friends or family with a larger portion of cake, you can double the ingredients. Use 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, and 5 tablespoons of oil.

Helpful tips

1. Choosing apples: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can combine sweet apples with some tart ones, like green apples. This will add a delicious contrast.

2. Sugar: You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and a more intense caramelized aroma.

3. Decoration: You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter or over the apples for an extra touch of flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- What kind of oil should I use? Sunflower oil or canola oil works best, but you can also use olive oil for a stronger taste.

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears or peaches, just make sure they are ripe.

- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.

Nutritional benefits: This caramelized apple cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Apples are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, while eggs provide valuable protein. Additionally, by using oil instead of butter, the cake becomes lighter.

Serving this caramelized apple cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of fragrant tea or a refreshing scoop of ice cream, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite. Don't hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe and share it with your loved ones. Happy baking!