Apple pie

Apple Cake – A Fragrant and Comforting Delight

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love an apple cake? This apple cake recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also a warm memory of family times spent around the table, enjoying a slice of steaming cake. It is a perfect combination of tender dough and fragrant apple filling that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 550-600 g flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature and slightly soft, not melted)
- 125 ml sunflower oil
- 250 ml yogurt
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 700 g apples (peeled and grated)
- 100 g nuts (chopped)
- 50 g raisins
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (ground)
- 200-250 g brown sugar (or regular sugar, to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (for glazing)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (optional, to absorb the apple juice)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by bringing all the dough ingredients to room temperature. It is essential that the butter is soft but not melted to achieve a tender dough. In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sunflower oil, powdered sugar, honey, yogurt, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

2. Incorporating the Flour
Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing well. Continue kneading by hand until the dough becomes soft and non-sticky. If you feel it sticking to your hands, don't hesitate to add a little more flour. Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes.

3. Preparing the Filling
While the dough rests, you can prepare the filling. Grate the apples and mix them with the nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. If the apples are very juicy, you can drain a little of their juice or sprinkle 2 tablespoons of semolina at the bottom of the pan to absorb the moisture.

4. Assembling the Cake
Sprinkle flour on the work surface and divide the dough into two equal parts. From the first half, roll out a sheet of dough the size of the pan (28 cm in diameter). Place the dough sheet in a greased pan, prick it lightly with a fork to prevent rising during baking, and raise the edges along the sides of the pan.

5. Adding the Filling
Place the apple filling over the dough base, ensuring it is evenly distributed. If you used semolina, it will help absorb excess liquid.

6. Decorating with Dough
From the other half of the dough, form strips of varying sizes that you place over the filling to create a lattice pattern. You can use a knife to cut strips or play with shapes as you wish. Finally, place a strip of dough around the edges to seal all the strips.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180-200 °C. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. About 10 minutes before the baking time is up, take the cake out and brush the surface with the remaining honey for a glossy appearance and delicious aroma.

8. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is golden brown, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, you can slice it. If you wish, you can dust it with powdered sugar, but I recommend serving it as is to maintain its beautiful appearance.

Serving Suggestions
Apple cake is perfect served warm or at room temperature. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or a fragrant coffee will pair perfectly with the taste of this cake.

Nutritional Benefits
Apples are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy digestive system. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, while the yogurt in the dough provides calcium. This cake is not just a dessert but also a healthier choice compared to other sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries, adjusting the amount of sugar according to their sweetness.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, and it will maintain its freshness for several days.

3. What other recipes can I try with apples?
If you enjoyed this recipe, I recommend trying apple tarts or apple crumbles. These desserts are equally delicious and easy to prepare.

Personal Note
Every time I make this cake, I remember the moments spent with my grandmother, who told me about the magic of cooking. This apple cake has become a tradition in my family, bringing joy and warmth to every corner of the home. Enjoy your meal!