Flavor with apples and poppy seeds

Flavor with Apples and Poppy Seeds: An Unforgettable Delicacy

Embark on a culinary journey with a delightful apple and poppy seed cake recipe, a perfect blend of the sweetness of apples and the intense aroma of poppy seeds. This cake is not just a simple dessert, but an explosion of flavors that will bring joy to holiday tables or ordinary days. Let’s make this treat together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 150 g ground nuts
- 400 g flour

For the filling:
- 250 g ground poppy seeds
- 200 ml cream
- 150 g sugar
- Grated zest and juice of one lemon
- 800 g apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for decoration)

A Brief Story

The apple and poppy seed cake has a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It is believed that the use of poppy seeds in desserts began centuries ago, appreciated not only for its unique flavor but also for its nutritional properties. This ingredient has been used over time in various dishes, adding flavor and texture.

Making the Dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix well with a mixer on medium speed until you achieve a creamy, slightly light-colored mixture. Add the egg, salt, lemon zest, yogurt, and vinegar, continuing to mix.

2. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and ground nuts. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until a homogeneous dough forms.

3. Chilling the dough: Divide the dough into two parts, one larger (2/3) and one smaller (1/3). Shape each part into a ball, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Preparing the Filling

4. Cooking the poppy seeds: In a saucepan, add the ground poppy seeds, cream, 70 g of sugar, and lemon zest. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and slice them thinly. In a bowl, mix the apple slices with the remaining sugar, lemon juice, rum essence, and cinnamon. This mixture will add a fresh aroma and delicious taste to the apples.

Assembling the Cake

6. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a baking pan with oil and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

7. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the larger dough portion (2/3 of the amount) into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Place the sheet in the pan, ensuring that the edges are raised to a height of about 3 cm.

8. Adding the filling: Pour the poppy seed mixture into the pan and level it out evenly. Then, place the apple slices on top, completely covering the poppy seed filling.

9. Rolling out the remaining dough: Roll out the remaining dough (1/3 of the amount) into a thin sheet and place it over the apples. Use a fork to make a few holes in the dough so that steam can escape during baking.

Baking

10. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until it turns golden and well-browned. A good trick is to perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

11. Cooling and decorating: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This apple and poppy seed cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. A cup of black tea or a flavorful coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

If you want to experiment, try adding some toasted nuts or almonds to the apple filling for a crunchy texture. You can also substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Poppy seeds, on the other hand, are rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, providing additional health benefits. This cake is not just a tasty indulgence but also a healthier choice compared to many other desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour? Yes, whole wheat flour offers a stronger flavor and more nutrients. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

2. How can I store the cake? The cake can be kept at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using a flax egg or another egg substitute and vegan butter.

4. Is it possible to make the cake without sugar? Yes, you can use natural or artificial sweeteners, but adjust the quantity to taste.

In conclusion, the apple and poppy seed cake is a versatile and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your friends and family. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touch. Enjoy every slice and savor every moment spent in the kitchen!