Apple pie with vanilla cream

Apple Cake with Vanilla Cream

Discover a recipe for apple cake with vanilla cream that perfectly combines the sweetness of the fruit with the smooth texture of the cream. This cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience filled with flavors and joy that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. An ideal cake for special occasions or simply to enjoy a sweet moment of the day.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of flour (approximately 130 g)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 5 tablespoons of oil (approximately 75 ml)
- 1.5 kg of apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- Cinnamon (to taste)

For the cream:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 500 ml of milk
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (approximately 60 g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 100 g of butter (at room temperature)

Recipe History

Apple cakes have a long-standing tradition in world cuisine, symbolizing comfort and family warmth. This simple yet delicious recipe enjoys popularity due to its versatility. It can be served at a festive meal or simply as a weekend dessert, offering an authentic taste of "home."

Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples. I recommend choosing sweet-tart apples, as they will add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Grate them on a large grater and evenly spread them on the bottom of a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples, adjusting the amount to your taste.

2. Beating the egg whites: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve stiff peaks. Gradually add one cup of sugar and the vanilla sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a glossy meringue.

3. Mixing the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil. This will add a soft and moist texture to your base. Pour the yolk mixture over the egg whites, being careful to fold gently from the bottom up to maintain the aeration of the mixture.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the baking powder over the flour and gradually add it to the egg mixture. Continue to mix with gentle movements to avoid deflating the meringue. You can use a silicone spatula to facilitate this process.

5. Baking the base: Pour the obtained mixture over the apples arranged in the tray. Level the surface to have an even base. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 35 minutes. It's ready when the top is nicely browned, and if you check it with a toothpick, it will come out clean.

6. Inverting the cake: After the cake has baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then take a flat plate and invert the cake so that the apples are on top. This step will create a spectacular appearance, and the caramelized apples will add extra flavor.

7. Preparing the vanilla cream: In a bowl, mix the pudding powder with 5 tablespoons of cold milk and the sugar. Add the egg yolk and mix well. Then, gradually pour in the rest of the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Transfer the mixture to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add the butter, mixing until fully incorporated. Let the cream cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.

8. Final cooling: After spreading the vanilla cream, you can decorate the cake with ingredients of your choice, such as nuts, grated chocolate, or even fresh fruits. Place the cake in the refrigerator for about an hour so that all the flavors blend perfectly.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

The apple cake with vanilla cream is delicious both chilled and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. For storage, I recommend covering it well with plastic wrap and keeping it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake not only offers a divine taste but also boasts the nutritional benefits of apples. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and their consumption can contribute to heart health and improved digestion. Additionally, the vanilla cream, rich in butter and milk, provides a source of calcium and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can replace the wheat flour with a combination of gluten-free flour, such as almond flour and rice flour. Make sure to use a gluten-free baking powder.

3. What variations can I add to the cream?
You can try adding a few drops of almond or orange extract for a more intense flavor. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil for a vegan version.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using flax eggs instead of eggs and coconut butter instead of regular butter.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to start cooking. Your apple cake with vanilla cream will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy!