Apple Streusel Cake

Apple Streusel Cake: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Who can resist a warm dessert with enticing aromas of fresh apples and a crispy streusel topping? The Apple Streusel Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're preparing for a family dinner or looking to impress friends at a party. This simple recipe turns Granny Smith apples into stars, bringing a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast of textures.

The history of apple cake is rich and varied, rooted deeply in cooking traditions around the world. From moist, flavorful cakes to pies with flaky crusts, apples have been used in desserts for centuries. This Apple Streusel Cake recipe pays homage to these traditions, combining simple ingredients to create a truly special dessert.

Necessary ingredients:

- For the base:
- 1 1/2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup oil (or melted and cooled butter)
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced

- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup roasted and chopped nuts

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dry ingredients: Start by sifting the flour together with the baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of ingredients and helps avoid lumps.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and oil (or melted and cooled butter). Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, just until combined. It's important not to overmix to keep the base fluffy.

4. Preparing the pan: Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) round springform cake pan with a little butter or oil. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling the surface evenly with a spatula.

5. Adding the apples: Arrange the slices of Granny Smith apples on top of the batter, arranging them nicely for an attractive appearance. Sprinkle half of the chopped nuts over the apples.

6. Preparing the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold diced butter and rub with your fingers until the mixture resembles crumbs. This crispy topping will add a wonderful texture to the cake.

7. Finishing the cake: Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the cake and add the remaining nuts. Now, the cake is ready for the oven!

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Wait a few minutes before removing it from the pan.

9. Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious served warm, but also at room temperature. Add an extra touch of flavor with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream.

Helpful tips:

- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the wet mixture.
- The nuts can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Make sure the apples are well-cooked, but don't overdo the baking time to avoid drying out the cake.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, but Granny Smith apples are ideal for this cake due to their acidity, which balances the sweetness of the sugar and the topping.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- Is this cake vegan? This recipe is not vegan due to the egg and butter, but you can use an egg replacer and margarine to make it vegan.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

An Apple Streusel Cake has about 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and contribute to heart health. Nuts add healthy fats, protein, and minerals.

This Apple Streusel Cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a way to enjoy autumn flavors and share special moments with loved ones. Whether you choose to savor it alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of sweet wine, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those you love. Enjoy!