Apricot Cake

Apricot Cake - a fragrant delight that's easy to prepare

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in making an apricot cake, a quick and simple dessert that is bursting with flavor. This recipe has its roots in family culinary traditions, inspired by my mother's recipe book. With a mix of textures - the fluffy base and juicy apricots - this cake promises to be a delightful surprise on your table. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

- 5 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for egg whites)
- 8 tablespoons oil
- 10 tablespoons hot water
- 300 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (or 1/2 packet baking powder)
- 500 g fresh apricots
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for decoration)

Necessary utensils:

- 2 bowls
- A mixer
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A baking tray (25x35 cm)
- Baking paper
- Oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another. Make sure the bowls are clean and dry; otherwise, the egg whites won’t beat well.

2. Beating the yolks: Using a mixer, beat the yolks together with 300 g of sugar until you achieve a light-colored, fluffy foam. This step is crucial as the air incorporated will help the cake to be fluffier.

3. Adding oil and hot water: Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the hot water tablespoon by tablespoon. This mixture will add moisture and make the base softer.

4. Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with baking soda or baking powder. Sifting the flour will help avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yolk composition, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

5. Preparing the egg whites: Start beating the egg whites at high speed. When they begin to foam, add the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Continue mixing until the egg whites become firm and glossy. This step will add an airy texture to the final cake.

6. Combining the mixtures: Carefully add the beaten egg whites over the yolk mixture. Use a spatula and mix by folding, from the bottom up, to keep the air in the mixture.

7. Preparing the tray: Grease the tray with a little oil and line it with baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface.

8. Preparing the apricots: Wash the apricots, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Place them cut side up on the batter in the tray to create an attractive look and add a delicious taste.

9. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to avoid lowering the temperature.

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and added sweetness.

Serving:

This apricot cake is perfect for dessert after a meal or as a snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve it plain or with vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. You can also substitute apricots with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to experiment with different flavors.

Tips and tricks:

- Use apricots that are ripe but firm to avoid them turning mushy during baking.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can incorporate vanilla essence into the yolk mixture.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Nutritional benefits:

This apricot cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Apricots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, the cake is relatively light, having about 200 calories per serving.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with various seasonal fruits like peaches, cherries, or apples.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free flour blends to replace wheat flour.

3. What can I do with leftovers?
If there’s leftover cake, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container and consume it within the next few days.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and wonderful moments with your loved ones. Cooking is an art form, and each recipe tells a story. So, let’s enjoy this apricot cake and create unforgettable memories in the kitchen!