Frozen Apricot Cake

Delicious Cake with Frozen Apricots

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that brings a touch of summer to any time of the year, you've come to the right recipe! This cake with frozen apricots is perfect for any occasion, especially for weekend evenings when you want to treat your family to something sweet. With a fluffy texture and delicious flavors, this cake will surely become a favorite in your household.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Total: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 4 large eggs (about 240 g)
- 2 cups of sugar (about 400 g)
- 1 cup of oil (about 240 ml)
- 1 cup of milk (about 240 ml)
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed with a little lemon juice
- 4 cups of flour (about 500 g)
- A pinch of salt
- Halved frozen apricots (about 16-20)
- Vanilla sugar (for flavoring the apricots)

History of the Frozen Apricot Cake:

Fruit cakes have always been an excellent way to take advantage of bountiful harvests, and using frozen fruits has opened doors in the kitchen, allowing homemakers to enjoy summer flavors year-round. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preheating the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential as a consistent temperature ensures even baking of the cake.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and salt until they become a creamy and smooth mixture. Gradually add the oil, continuously mixing to incorporate air into the mixture. This will help make the cake fluffy.

3. Adding the milk and baking soda:
Next, add the milk and the baking soda mixed with a little lemon juice. This step is important as the baking soda helps the cake rise. Mix well to ensure the baking soda is completely dissolved.

4. Incorporating the flour:
Sift the flour to eliminate any lumps and ensure a fine texture. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, gently mixing until you achieve a homogeneous mixture, similar to that for a loaf cake.

5. Preparing the baking pan:
Grease a 34x29 cm baking pan with a little oil or butter and sprinkle flour to prevent the cake from sticking. This pan is ideal as it provides an even thickness for the cake, allowing it to bake uniformly.

6. Adding the apricots:
Pour the mixture into the pan, then add the halved frozen apricots directly into the batter without thawing them. Make sure to place them randomly. In the center of each apricot, place a little vanilla sugar to enhance the flavor.

7. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 25-35 minutes. You can check if it's done by using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is nicely browned, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once it has cooled, dust it with fine sugar for an elegant appearance.

Practical Tips for Achieving a Perfect Result:

- Choosing apricots: If you don't have frozen apricots, you can also use plums or nectarines. These will add a different but equally delicious note.
- Vanilla sugar: You can make vanilla sugar at home by placing a vanilla bean in a jar of sugar. It will add a natural and deep flavor to your dish.
- Powdered sugar: Make sure to use fine powdered sugar. It will melt quickly on the cake, giving it a more refined look.

Possible Variations:

- Adding spices: You can experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter to add a warm note.
- Nuts or almonds: Add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for an extra texture and nutrients.

Delicious Combinations:

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or freshly squeezed lemonade can perfectly complement the sweet flavors of the cake.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the oil. Apricots add essential vitamins, such as vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for eye health and the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other frozen fruits like blueberries or raspberries, but adjust the amount of sugar based on their acidity.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it slightly before serving to restore some of its freshness.

- Is it suitable for vegans?
Although the recipe contains eggs and milk, you can replace the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce and the milk with a plant-based substitute like almond milk.

I hope you try this frozen apricot cake and enjoy every bite! It's a simple recipe but with a taste that will remind you of warm summer days. Enjoy!