Grated apple and chocolate cake

The grated apple dessert is an inspired and flavorful choice, perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This cake is a fragrant delight that combines the natural sweetness of apples with chocolate, offering a moist texture and an unforgettable taste. Whether you enjoy it in the company of little ones or friends, this simple and quick recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

- 5-6 apples (approximately 800g)
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 250g)
- 1 cup of sugar (200g, adjust to 1 1/2 cups if the apples are tart)
- 1/2 cup of oil (125ml)
- 1 packet of baking powder (10g)
- Juice from one large orange (approximately 100ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- 100g chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing and peeling the apples. Use a large grater to grate them. If the apples are very juicy, it is recommended to squeeze out some excess juice to prevent your dessert from becoming too wet.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Adding the yolks: Reduce the mixer speed and add the yolks, vanilla essence, and orange juice. Mix gently until the ingredients are well integrated.

4. Incorporating the oil: Add the oil to the mixture and blend, ensuring everything combines perfectly. The oil will contribute to the cake's moisture.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and cinnamon. Begin to gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

6. Incorporating the apples: Once the flour is well integrated, add the grated apples. Use a spatula to gently mix, so the apples are evenly distributed in the batter.

7. Adding the chocolate: If desired, add the chocolate chips to the mixture. They will add a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture to your cake.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Level the surface with a spatula and place the pan in the oven. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling: This is an important step! Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting it. This way, the texture will be perfect and it won’t crumble.

10. Serving: Optionally, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea for an unforgettable experience.

Practical tips

- Choosing apples: For a balanced taste, choose a mix of apples, such as sweet and tart varieties. Apples like Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious are excellent options.
- Variations: You can experiment with adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a splash of rum for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants. Additionally, using oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat content, making this cake a bit healthier.

Frequently asked questions

- What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version? You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.
- How can I make this cake gluten-free? Replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour available on the market.

In conclusion, the grated apple and chocolate cake is a quick and simple dessert that will turn any meal into a celebration. With a perfect combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is not only a great way to use apples but also an opportunity to create unforgettable moments around the table. Happy cooking!