Trouble Cake for March 8, 2013

Trouble Cake - a delicious recipe to celebrate International Women's Day

Trouble Cake is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia and joy to every special occasion. This recipe originated from a funny incident at a birthday celebration when I realized I forgot an essential ingredient: sugar. But, as often happens in the kitchen, some mistakes can lead to delightful discoveries. Today, I will share this recipe, which is not only simple but also full of flavor and aroma.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the cake:
- 400 g of flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 250 ml of oil (about one cup)
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa (I recommend Dr. Oetker dark cocoa for an intense taste)
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 kg of sweet and juicy apples (such as Florina, ideal for cakes)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 2 handfuls of raisins

For the glaze:
- 250 g of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of water
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa

Preparing the cake:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the apples. Use a sharp knife to cut off the skin and a large grater to grate them. Ensure the apples are juicy to add moisture to the cake. If you love intense flavors, you can also add a bit of vanilla for a more complex taste.

Step 2: Preheating the oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat. This step is essential for achieving an evenly baked cake.

Step 3: Separating the eggs
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, add the yolks and one tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Here you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Adding the wet ingredients
Gradually add the oil while continuously mixing to achieve an emulsion. Then, add the cocoa and mix until fully incorporated. This is the perfect time to add the grated apples, cinnamon, and raisins. The latter will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to the cake.

Step 5: Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a foam, and when you turn the bowl upside down, they do not move. This technique will bring air into the composition, making the cake fluffy and light.

Step 6: Combining the compositions
Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture of yolks, oil, and apples with upward motions to avoid losing air. Finally, add the flour mixed with baking soda. Mix carefully until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 7: Baking
Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper, pour the composition, and level the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the raisins on top and place the tray in the oven. Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Preparing the glaze
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In an enameled pot, combine the sugar with the water and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When the sugar has completely dissolved, add the sifted cocoa and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 9: Finalizing the cake
After the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the hot glaze over it, smoothing it with a spatula. Put the cake back in the oven for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool inside the oven. This will help retain moisture and intensify the flavors.

Step 10: Serving
Once cooled, remove the cake from the tray and cut it into squares. It is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an even more delightful experience.

Practical tips:
- Use sweet and juicy apples to achieve the best flavor.
- If you prefer, you can replace the raisins with nuts or hazelnuts for an added crunch.
- The glaze can be adapted with coffee flavors or rum essences for a personalized touch.

Nutritional information:
This cake contains fiber-rich ingredients due to the apples and whole flour, providing you with a healthy energy source. Each serving has approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions served.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, but make sure they are sweet and juicy to achieve a delicious cake.
2. What can I do if I don't have cocoa?
You can use carob powder or omit the cocoa, resulting in a less intense but equally tasty cake.
3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores very well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Trouble Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration story, a moment of joy, and an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. So, don't hesitate to make it and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones!