Quick Apple Cake

Caramelized Apple Cake: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Welcome to the world of enticing aromas and quick desserts! Today, I present to you a recipe for caramelized apple cake, a dish that brings together all the necessary ingredients to add a touch of joy to each day. This recipe is not only simple but also full of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories when the aroma of baked apples filled our home. Let's embark on this delightful cake-making adventure together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

*For the batter:*
- 2 whole eggs
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 9 tablespoons of milk
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the apple filling:*
- 1 kg of apples (you can use tart apples for a delicious contrast)
- Sugar to taste (depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- Cinnamon (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Beat the eggs with the sugar: In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and add the sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat them well until you achieve a frothy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, making the cake light and fluffy.

2. Add the oil: Gradually incorporate the oil while continuing to mix. The oil will add moisture and help achieve a fine texture for the batter.

3. Incorporate the milk: Add the milk and mix until everything is well combined. It is important to use milk at room temperature to avoid lumps.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will help the batter rise evenly.

5. Combine the mixtures: Alternate the flour mixture with the milk and the egg mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently, just until everything is well incorporated. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter but should flow easily from a spoon.

6. Prepare the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into cubes or thin slices. Sauté them in a pan with a little sugar until their juice reduces and they become soft. Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Let them cool.

7. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 24x24 cm pan with butter and sprinkle flour or use parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This is a crucial step to ensure a perfect cake.

8. Bake the first layer: Pour half of the batter into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. This will form a fine and fluffy base for the cake.

9. Add the apples: Remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the caramelized apples on top. Then, pour the remaining batter over the apples, completely covering the filling.

10. Finish baking: Put the pan back in the oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

11. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool completely before cutting. This will allow the flavors to develop and make cutting easier. Dust with powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance before serving.

Helpful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- If you want to turn it into a gourmet dessert, serve the cake with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to create unique variations of the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
This caramelized apple cake is not only delicious but also a good source of fiber due to the apples, which aid digestion. Additionally, it is a better option compared to many other desserts, having a moderate sugar and fat content, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned apples? It is recommended to use fresh apples for a better texture, but canned apples can be used if well drained.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze the cake to keep it longer.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or other egg substitutes, but the texture and taste will be different.

So, let’s enjoy this caramelized apple cake together, which will surely become a favorite in your family! Each bite will bring warm memories, and the enticing aromas will turn any ordinary day into a celebration of flavors. Bon appétit!