Madalina Manole's Apple Cake

Madalina Manole's Apple Cake: a delicious recipe that brings joy and nostalgia in every bite. This cake is a perfect combination of a fluffy base, aromatic apples, and a light meringue that melts in your mouth. It is the ideal dessert for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to quiet Sunday evenings with family. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 egg yolks
- 240 g sugar
- 250 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 550 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- Zest of one lemon
- 200 ml sour cream

For the filling:
- 1 1/2 - 2 kg apples (choose aromatic apples, preferably some that are a bit sour)
- Sugar (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For the meringue:
- 8 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Recipe history

Apple cake has often been a staple dessert in households over time, with deep roots in culinary traditions. This version, popularized by the famous singer, is a perfect example of how a simple recipe can become a symbol of comfort and pleasant memories. Apples are a versatile ingredient, and their combination with cinnamon evokes the warmth and familiarity of home.

Step by step

1. Preparing the base:
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Add the soft butter and continue mixing until completely incorporated. Add the lemon zest for an extra flavor.

2. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
Sift the flour and baking powder together and gradually add them to the egg and butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently until you obtain a smooth and fine dough.

3. Preparing the baking tray:
Line a 37x25 cm tray with baking paper and grease it with a little butter. Pour the dough into the tray, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs on top to absorb the juice from the apples.

4. Baking the base:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 20-25 minutes, until golden and halfway baked.

5. Preparing the apple filling:
Peel the apples and grate them. Mix them with sugar and cinnamon to taste. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add more sugar.

6. Assembling the cake:
Remove the tray from the oven and evenly spread the grated apples over the base, along with the juice they released. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs on top of the apples.

7. Preparing the meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue.

8. Finalizing the cake:
Using a spoon, spread the meringue evenly over the apples. Place the cake back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.

9. Cooling and serving:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. With a knife dipped in water, cut the cake into equal portions. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Practical tips and variations

- Apples: Choose tart apples to balance the sweetness of the meringue. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice.
- Cinnamon: If you want to experiment, add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for an exotic flavor.
- Meringue: Ensure that the bowl and utensils used for the meringue are completely clean, with no trace of fat, to achieve a perfect meringue.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Frequently asked questions

- Why doesn't the meringue rise? It's important to use egg whites that have no yolks mixed in and to beat them well until firm.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits

This apple cake is an excellent source of fiber due to the apples, which aid digestion. It also contains healthy fats from butter and proteins from eggs, providing a nutritional balance. When consumed in moderation, it can be a delightful and healthy dessert.

I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that Madalina Manole's apple cake becomes one of your favorites! Enjoy!