Grandma's Cake

Grandma's Cake – A Family Delicacy with Fluffy Layers

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

When it comes to family recipes, each taste brings back beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Grandma's Cake is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, keeping alive the tradition and childhood memories. This cake, with its fluffy layers and fragrant filling of apples and walnuts, is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for both an afternoon snack and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the ammonia layers:
- 250 g flour
- 50 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons warm milk (in which a teaspoon of ammonia is dissolved)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream

For the filling:
- Sweet apples (about 1 kg)
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (to taste)
- Brown sugar (to taste)
- Roasted and crushed walnuts (amount to your preference, I used a deep plate full)

Notes on ingredients:
- The ammonia used in this recipe helps achieve fluffier layers, and its smell disappears during baking.
- It is recommended to use sweet apples to balance the tartness with the sweetness of the sugar.
- The roasted walnuts add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor to the cake, so feel free to adjust the quantity according to your preferences.

Preparation technique

1. Start by preparing the ammonia layers. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the powdered sugar. Add the butter, egg, sour cream, and warm milk with dissolved ammonia. Knead well until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. It's important not to over-knead to avoid tough layers.

2. Divide the dough into two equal parts and form two balls. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This step will help relax the gluten and make the layers easier to roll out.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Peel and grate the apples. Place them in a sieve to drain excess juice. In a pan, add the grated apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples become soft and fragrant. Add the roasted and crushed walnuts and mix well.

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Line the bottom of a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper.

5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out the first ball of dough on a floured surface into a thin layer. Place the layer in the prepared dish, ensuring to cover the edges well.

6. Spread the apple and walnut filling over the first layer of dough. Then, roll out the second ball of dough and place it on top of the filling. If desired, you can cut shapes from the remaining dough to create attractive decorations on top.

7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the surface becomes golden and crispy. The delicious smell will fill the entire house!

8. After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish. Finally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a special appearance and a sweet-tart taste.

Serving suggestions:
- Cut the cake into squares or diamonds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations:
- You can replace the apples with peaches or apricots for a summer version.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to achieve diverse flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of fiber from apples and walnuts, supporting digestive health. Additionally, walnuts are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, benefiting the body.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why is ammonia used in the recipe?
Ammonia helps achieve fluffier layers, but don't worry, the smell disappears during baking.

- Can I use other types of apples?
Of course! Tart apples will add an interesting note to the cake, but make sure to adjust the sugar quantity.

- How can I store the cake for longer?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. You can even freeze it to enjoy later!

Enjoy this simple and delicious recipe that will remind you of your grandmother and the beautiful moments spent together. Whether you make it for yourself or for loved ones, Grandma's Cake is a perfect choice to bring smiles to the faces of those who savor it.