Apple pie

Apple Cake: A Flavorful Delight for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't love the warm and comforting aroma of baked apples? This apple cake is not just a simple dessert but also a sweet childhood memory, where every slice was savored with love. With a light dough and a delicious filling, this cake will surely become your family's favorite. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or simply to treat your loved ones, it will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Let's embark on this culinary journey!

Total time: 2 hours (30 minutes preparation, 20 minutes baking, 1 hour cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of tomato juice (or water, for a less acidic version)
- 1 packet of ammonium quenched with vinegar (or baking soda)
- 500 g of flour

For the filling:
- 5 large apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 50 g of butter
- Sugar to taste (between 50-100 g, depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dough: oil, sugar, tomato juice, and the ammonium quenched with vinegar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously. When the dough starts to form, transfer it to a working surface and knead it gently until it becomes elastic and smooth. Don't worry if the dough seems a bit sticky at first; adding flour will help achieve the desired consistency.

Helpful tips:
- Choose a neutral-flavored oil, such as sunflower oil, so it doesn't affect the final taste of the cake.
- Tomato juice may seem like an unusual ingredient, but it helps achieve a fluffy texture for the dough.

Step 2: Dividing and rolling out the dough

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Using a rolling pin, roll each part on the back of a floured tray, forming thin sheets. These sheets do not need to be perfectly equal, but make sure they have an even thickness. Bake the sheets in a preheated oven at 180°C for 7-8 minutes, until they turn slightly golden. Be careful, as they bake quickly!

Step 3: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, let's take care of the filling. Peel the apples and grate them. In a pan, add the butter and the grated apples. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add the sugar and cinnamon, mixing until the apples become soft and fragrant. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

After the sheets have cooled, take the first sheet and spread a uniform portion of the apple filling. Continue with the next sheet, repeating the process until all four sheets are stacked. Finally, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential as it allows the sheets to absorb the juice from the apples, resulting in a moist and delicious cake.

Step 5: Serving

The next day, after the cake has cooled completely and the flavors have melded, cut it into squares or rectangles. Serve it plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast between warm and cold.

Variations and tricks

- Instead of apples, you can try using pears or peaches for a seasonal variation. The flavor of cinnamon will perfectly complement the taste of the fruits.
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for a crunchy texture.
- If you want a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Nutritional benefits

This apple cake not only offers a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system. Additionally, the oil used in the dough provides healthy fats, and cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
- While it is recommended to use fresh apples for optimal taste, you can use canned apples. Just make sure to drain them well.

2. How can I store the cake?
- Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be eaten cold as well, and the flavors become even more intense.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is best to cut it into portions before freezing. Then, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

And thus, you have created an apple cake that not only delights your taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia in every slice. Whether you share it with loved ones or enjoy it alone, every bite will be an explosion of flavors. Try this simple and quick recipe and let yourself be carried away by the delicious taste of caramelized apples and cinnamon. Bon appétit!