Apple pie

Delicious apple cake recipe with fluffy sponge

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the wonderful world of cakes! Today we will prepare a classic and beloved recipe that combines the sweet and spicy flavors of apples with a fluffy sponge texture. This apple cake is not only a perfect choice for Sunday dessert but also an excellent way to impress family and friends. So let’s get started!

A little history
Apple cakes have a long history, being prepared by generations in kitchens everywhere. Apples, a symbol of freshness and harvest, have always been used in desserts due to their sweet-tart taste and versatility. This recipe is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and each bite will take you back to pleasant childhood memories.

Necessary ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1.5 kg of apples (about 4-5 large apples)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 cup of sugar (for the apples)
- A pinch of baking powder

Preparing the caramelized apples
1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples well. If they are nice and smooth, you can grate them with the skin on for extra flavor and nutrients. Grate the apples on a large grater.
2. Caramelizing: In a pot, add the grated apples, one cup of sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and two tablespoons of semolina. Mix well and place the pot on low heat. Let the apples sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their juices. Once they start boiling, remove them from the heat and let them cool.

Preparing the sponge
3. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding 8 tablespoons of sugar, until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. This is the secret to a fluffy sponge!
4. Adding the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with a pinch of salt. Add the grated lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and the two tablespoons of oil. Mix well until creamy.
5. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue using a spatula. Add the baking powder and flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently to avoid deflating the meringue.

Assembling the cake
6. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
7. Adding the mixture: Pour half of the sponge mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges.
8. Adding the apples: Remove the pan from the oven and evenly distribute the sautéed apples over the sponge. Then pour the remaining sponge mixture over the apples, making sure to cover them well.

Final baking
9. Baking the cake: Put the pan back in the oven and let the cake bake for 20-25 minutes at high heat. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Before serving, dust with vanilla sugar for an elegant appearance and sweet taste.

Chef's tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can also add chopped nuts or ground almonds to the apple mixture. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce pairs perfectly with this cake, turning the dessert into a true culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions
- Why should I use semolina in the cake?
Semolina helps absorb the juices from the apples and gives the cake a better texture.
- What type of apples are best?
Sweet-tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, are ideal for adding a balanced flavor.
- How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, contributing to a healthy diet. Whole wheat flour can add extra fiber, and this cake can be a healthier option compared to other calorie-rich desserts.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t wait any longer! Get into the kitchen and let your creativity shine. Enjoy your meal!