Apple Pie

Apple Cake – a delicious recipe for special moments

When it comes to desserts that impress, apple cake is definitely a choice that never fails. This extraordinary dessert combines the sweetness of apples with a fluffy crust, resulting in an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe will guide you step by step to a perfect result.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 10 apples (preferably golden or granny smith, for a pleasant contrast between sweetness and acidity)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for caramelization)
- 10 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 10 cubes of butter (about 100g)
- Jam (1 teaspoon for each apple, you can use apricot or raspberry jam)
- Rum essence (optional, for extra flavor)
- Water (for syrup)

Preparation:

1. Start by making the caramelized sugar. In an oven-safe pot, add the 3 tablespoons of sugar and place the pot over low heat. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as overcooked sugar becomes bitter. Once it reaches a beautiful color, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Peel the apples and remove the cores, keeping them whole. This step is crucial, as the apples will be filled with butter and jam. Place the apples in the pot with the caramelized sugar that you prepared earlier. Put a teaspoon of jam and a cube of butter in each apple. This mixture will add exceptional flavor and help caramelize the apples.

3. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the apples for 10 minutes to soften them slightly and start absorbing the flavors.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the batter. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the 10 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until you achieve a firm meringue. Then, gently fold in the 10 tablespoons of flour, mixing with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

5. In another bowl, beat the yolks until creamy, then add them to the egg whites, mixing gently. This technique will make the cake airy and fluffy.

6. After the 10 minutes of baking the apples, remove the pot from the oven and pour the batter over the warm apples. Make sure to cover all the apples evenly.

7. Bake again for 20-30 minutes, or until the batter is golden and passes the toothpick test. Once done, let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes.

8. Prepare the syrup by mixing 100ml of water with 50g of sugar and rum essence to taste. Boil the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. You can adjust the amount of rum according to your preferences.

9. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and drizzle it with the prepared syrup. This will add an extra layer of moisture and flavor.

10. Serve the cake cold, plain or with a portion of fresh whipped cream or ice cream. It’s a perfect combination!

Useful tips:
- You can add a hint of flavor to the batter by replacing the rum essence with vanilla essence.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Instead of jam, you can use ground nuts or raisins to fill the apples for a delicious variation.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This cake is not only tasty but also provides beneficial nutritional value. Additionally, the eggs and butter contribute to an adequate intake of healthy proteins and fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use apples from other varieties? Yes, but make sure they have a balance between sweetness and acidity.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can replace the eggs with a mix of flaxseeds and water and the butter with margarine or a vegetable oil.
- How do I store the cake? It keeps best in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

In conclusion, the apple cake is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of nostalgia and joy in every slice. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones to turn every meal into a special occasion. Enjoy!