Apple pie

Apple Cake - a quick and delicious treat

If you're looking for a quick dessert that delights the taste buds and brings warmth and comfort to your home, apple cake is the perfect solution. This simple recipe doesn't require advanced baking skills and is ideal for anyone who wants to add a touch of sweetness to their everyday life. Whether you want to serve it as a dessert after a family dinner or share it with friends, you'll find that each piece is full of flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 large apples (choose sweet or tart apples, depending on your preference)
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 g)
- 1 cup of flour (measured with the same cup used for sugar)
- 1 heaping teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil)
- Rum essence (to taste)
- Cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help achieve a finer texture. Choose the apples carefully; the best results come from sweet apples, but a mix of sweet and tart apples can add an interesting note.

2. Beat the eggs with the sugar: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them at medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Adding the oil and essences: Continue mixing and add the oil and rum essence. If you like the aroma of cinnamon, now is the time to add it. Mix everything well so that the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

4. Incorporating the flour: Stop using the mixer and, with the help of a spatula, add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Sift the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, 'in rain', to avoid lumps. Mix gently until you obtain a homogeneous composition, but do not overmix; a thicker mixture is ideal.

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. Place them in a springform pan lined with oil and baking paper. Using a pan with a diameter of 26 cm is perfect for this recipe. If desired, you can drizzle the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

6. Combining the mixture: Pour the batter over the apples in the pan. Gently mix so that the apples are well covered with batter. This step ensures that every bite will have a delicious dose of apples.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 55-60 minutes. You can check if the cake is baked using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it onto a plate. Once it has completely cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. However, I warmly recommend trying it warm, right out of the oven – it's irresistible!

Practical tips:

- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger.
- Serving combinations: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. Add a touch of mascarpone cream for an extra touch of refinement.
- Nutritional benefits: Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, and this cake can be a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich desserts. Additionally, adding nuts can provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour? - Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the cake may vary.
2. How can I store the cake? - You can keep it covered at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week. I recommend gently reheating it before serving.
3. What other fruits can I use? - You can replace apples with pears or peaches, depending on the season and preferences.

So, gather your ingredients and start your culinary adventure! Apple cake is not just a simple dessert, but a way to share joyful moments with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, each slice will bring you smiles and pleasant memories!