Apple pie with jam

Apple Cake with Jam – a delicious and fragrant recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

I propose a recipe for apple cake with jam that will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face. This delicacy is not only a perfect dessert for any occasion but also an excellent way to make the most of fresh, aromatic apples. The combination of caramelized apples and fluffy dough is simply irresistible. Let's discover together the steps to achieve this special cake!

History of the recipe

The apple cake with jam has its roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, being a dessert that brings together diverse flavors and textures. Apples, a symbol of freshness and health, have been used for centuries in sweet and savory dishes, and the combination with jam adds a unique touch. This simple and accessible recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of joy to every day.

Necessary ingredients

- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (plus 5 tablespoons for caramelizing)
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 50 g butter (for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 8-9 large apples (preferably small-sized)
- Zest of one orange
- Zest of one lemon
- Lemon juice
- Rum essence
- Vanilla essence
- Cognac
- Plum jam with nuts, strawberries, sour cherries, or quince (to taste)

Useful tips for ingredients

- Choose fresh, firm, and aromatic apples, preferably of the tart variety, which hold their shape and flavor during baking.
- If your jam does not contain nuts, you can add some roasted and ground nuts to enhance the cake's flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve a fluffier dough.
- You can experiment with different types of jam according to your preferences to add a personalized touch to the cake.

Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the pot
Start by putting the 5 tablespoons of sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir constantly to melt evenly, achieving a beautiful caramelization. Once the sugar has turned into a golden syrup, immediately coat the walls of the pot in which you will bake the cake. It is important to do this while the caramel is still warm so that it adheres well. Let it cool.

2. Preparing the apples
Peel the apples, remove the cores and seeds. Fill each apple with the chosen jam, making sure to fill them well, then gently tap them on the table to allow the jam to distribute evenly inside. Sprinkle cinnamon over the filled apples for an extra touch of flavor. Place the apples in the prepared pot and bake them for 10-15 minutes until they start to soften and form a foam at the edges.

3. Preparing the dough
Sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites at room temperature with a little lemon juice until frothy, then gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm foam. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar, essences, citrus zest, and a pinch of salt. Add the yolk mixture over the egg whites and gradually incorporate the sifted flour, mixing gently to avoid losing air in the dough.

4. Combining and baking
Pour the fluffy dough over the apples in the pot, ensuring it reaches in between the apples to form an even crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

5. Cooling and serving
Once the cake is ready, let it cool with the oven door slightly open to prevent cracking. Once cooled, turn the cake onto a plate. You can decorate the cake with natural whipped cream or meringue, depending on your preferences. I recommend letting the cake chill in the fridge to be served the next day, when the flavors will blend perfectly.

Variations and serving suggestions

- Instead of plum jam, you can experiment with strawberry or sour cherry jam, and for an exotic touch, add some raisins soaked in rum or cognac.
- Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, the apple cake becomes a refined dessert perfect for a festive meal.
- You can add pieces of chocolate or nuts to the dough for an extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long can I keep the cake?
The cake can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to consume it in the first few days to enjoy the intense flavor of the apples.

2. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with pears or peaches, which pair very well with jam.

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flax seeds and water or with an egg replacer, and the butter can be replaced with vegetable margarine.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, contributing to immune system health and digestion. Additionally, nuts add essential fatty acids and proteins, making this cake not only delicious but also healthy.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking. I wish you much success and, above all, bon appétit!