Apple pie

The perfect dessert for a cool day: Apple Cake

When it comes to desserts, apple cake definitely ranks high on many people's lists. It's quick, flavorful, and most importantly, incredibly delicious! This simple recipe will help you create a fluffy cake that evokes warm autumn days filled with the aromas of apples and cinnamon.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 6 large apples (choose sweet and fragrant varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 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 (sunflower or canola oil is ideal)
- Rum and cinnamon essence (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

The history of apple cake is rich, with roots in culinary traditions around the world. This cake has often been made in country households, where apples were abundant and used in various ways. From pies to cakes, apples have always been the stars of autumn desserts.

Let’s begin our culinary adventure:

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before we start mixing the ingredients, it's important to preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking of your cake.

Step 2: Prepare the egg mixture
In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air into the cake, resulting in a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add the oil and flavors
Once the egg mixture is ready, add the oil and the rum and cinnamon essences if desired. These will add a delicious flavor to your cake. Gently mix with a spatula, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients
Put the mixer aside and add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. It's important to add the flour "in a rain," meaning to sift it slowly over the wet mixture. This will prevent lumps from forming. Mix everything with a spatula until you obtain a fairly thick batter.

Step 5: Prepare the apples
Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Place the apple cubes in a springform pan lined with oil and parchment paper. I used a 26 cm diameter pan, which is ideal for this recipe.

Step 6: Combine the apples with the batter
Pour the batter over the apples in the pan and gently mix to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Now is the time to enjoy the sweet aroma of the apples and batter, which will intensify during baking.

Step 7: Bake the cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 55-60 minutes. It's a good idea to test with a toothpick by inserting it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool and serve
Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly in the pan, then dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can serve it warm, but it's just as good cold! This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of apples to find the combination you like best.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but honestly, it might not last that long!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can use pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary. Pay attention to the consistency of the batter.
2. Can I make the cake without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners, but the result will differ in texture and taste.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with banana puree or applesauce, and the oil with coconut butter.

Delicious combinations:
Apple cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of sweet cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Let’s enjoy this delicious cake together! Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the apple cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your impressions after trying the recipe. Enjoy!