Apricot cake

Apricot Cake - A Sweet Delicacy with a Summer Aroma

When it comes to desserts, apricot cake is an excellent choice that combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with a slightly moist and fluffy texture. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for helping you declutter your freezer, especially if you've stocked up on delicious apricots throughout the year. So, let's get to work and turn these apricots into an unforgettable cake!

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

Ingredients:

- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1-2 tablespoons of flavoring (vanilla or rum)
- 400 g apricots (thawed and well-drained)
- A pinch of salt

Ingredient tips:

- Eggs: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for easier whipping.
- Oil: The oil adds moisture to the cake, but you can also experiment with olive oil for a more complex flavor.
- Apricots: Use fresh or frozen apricots, but ensure they are well-drained to avoid making the batter too wet.
- Flavorings: Vanilla is classic, but you can also use a drop of almond extract for a distinct note.

Nutritional details:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates and, thanks to the apricot, provides essential vitamins such as vitamin C and A. Each serving has about 250 calories, but the exact number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Making the apricot cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the eggs out of the fridge and letting them come to room temperature. If you are using frozen apricots, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw and drain well.

2. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks from the four eggs, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it doubles in volume and becomes a fluffy cream of a bright yellow color.

3. Adding oil and flavorings: While continuing to mix, gradually add the oil, as if you were making mayonnaise. This will help keep the cake soft and moist. Once the oil is incorporated, add your preferred flavorings.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sifting the flour is essential to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as it can affect the cake's texture.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as the whipped egg whites will give volume to the cake. Gently fold them into the yolk mixture using slow, upward motions.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Prepare a baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm) with baking paper, ensuring it is well covered to prevent sticking.

7. Pouring the mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

8. Adding the apricots: Place the thawed and well-drained apricots on top of the batter. You can cut the apricots in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center).

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. After it has cooled, you can cut it into squares and dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Serving suggestion:
The apricot cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. It is a perfect dessert for a lazy afternoon or a gathering with friends.

Possible variations:
- You can replace apricots with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches, plums, or apples.
- If you want a crunchy note, add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh fruits?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits will add a more intense flavor and pleasant texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but make sure it is well wrapped.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
You can add a little cinnamon or cardamom to the batter to intensify the flavor.

The apricot cake is not just a dessert; it's a summer story, full of warmth and joy. So invest your time in this recipe and enjoy every bite!