Apple pie in dough

Apple and Quince Cake - a Delight of Autumn

If you're looking for a cake that combines the flavors of autumn with a fluffy texture and unique taste, you've come to the right place. This apple and quince cake is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, warm tea, or even a glass of milk. It's a simple yet special recipe that will win you over from the first bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

- 3 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 300 g apples (about 2-3 large apples)
- 1 quince (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of one lemon
- 300 g flour
- ½ packet baking powder
- 50 g raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure to peel and chop the apples and quince. The apples should be just right, not too large, but not too small either. If you're using large apples, two will be enough.

2. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and salt. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture. This will contribute to the cake's fluffy texture.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Continue by adding the oil, cinnamon, and lemon zest. These flavors will give your cake a fresh and aromatic taste.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Sifting the flour is a great trick to prevent lumps in the batter. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and gently mix with a spatula until combined.

5. Preparing the fruits: Wash the apples and quince, then peel them. Grate them using a large grater. If you've chosen to add raisins, make sure to wash them well and soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This will prevent them from drying out during baking.

6. Final combination: Incorporate the apples and raisins into the batter, gently mixing to distribute them evenly. It's important not to stir too much to avoid losing the air incorporated.

7. Preparing for baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. You can use a 20x30 cm tray or a similar one, depending on your preference. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface.

8. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the tray in the oven and let the cake bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, it's ready.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You may choose to dust it with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

10. Serving suggestions: This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a pleasant temperature contrast.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to achieve different flavor profiles. You can also add chopped nuts for added texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cake contains approximately 200 calories. Apples and quinces are rich in fiber and vitamins, and using olive oil can add healthy fatty acids to your diet.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can whole wheat flour be used?* Yes, but the texture will be slightly different.
- *Is it possible to make it without sugar?* You can use natural sweeteners, but the final result will vary.

This apple and quince cake recipe is not only simple but also full of nostalgia, evoking memories from grandparents or festive meals. I hope it brings you the same joy! Enjoy!