Troublesome Cake of March 8, 2013

Trouble Cake – A delicious treat that's easy to make, perfect for celebrating International Women's Day

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Who hasn’t experienced a little mishap in the kitchen? That happened to me on March 8th when I wanted to prepare a special cake. I quickly started from scratch, only to realize I had forgotten an essential ingredient: sugar! Even though I was about to give up, I decided to turn this "trouble" into a memorable recipe. Thus, the trouble cake was born, a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will bring a smile to any woman's face.

This cake stands out with its rich flavors of apples, cocoa, and cinnamon, making it perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, which is ideal for those who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen but want to impress. Let’s see how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g of flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 250 ml of oil (about one cup)
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa (I recommend dark cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 kg of sweet and juicy apples (like Florina or any other preferred variety)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 2 handfuls of raisins

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

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by peeling and grating the apples. Make sure to choose sweet and juicy apples, as they will provide a delicious flavor to your cake. Florina apples are ideal, but you can also use other varieties you like.

Step 2: Preparing the oven and the dough

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, add the yolks and one tablespoon of sugar, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Then, gradually add the oil, continuously mixing to integrate the ingredients.

Now, add the cocoa and all the other ingredients except the egg whites. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake. Carefully fold the egg whites into the thicker mixture, mixing gently so as not to lose the air from the egg whites.

Step 3: Baking the cake

Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper, then pour the cake mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the raisins on top, adding a sweet note and a pleasant texture. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Preparing the glaze

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In an enamel pot, add the sugar and water, then place the pot over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. After the sugar has melted, add a sifted tablespoon of cocoa and mix well, then remove from heat.

It’s important to pour the hot glaze over the cake taken out of the oven. So, when the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and pour the glaze on top. Put the cake back in the oven for another 5 minutes, then turn off the oven, leaving the cake inside to cool gradually. This will help the glaze set perfectly.

Step 5: Serving

Once the cake has cooled, you can remove it from the tray and cut it into servings. It’s perfect to be served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra flavor.

Suggestions and variations:

- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the raisins with chopped nuts or almonds.
- Instead of cocoa, you can use carob powder for a healthier yet just as delicious version.
- Try adding a few drops of vanilla essence for an even more aromatic flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use tart apples?
Yes, but I recommend reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe, as tart apples will add a note of acidity.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with various dried fruits or even dark chocolate chunks for a more decadent taste.

3. How do I store the cake?
It can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is an excellent source of fiber, thanks to the apples, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. Cocoa, besides adding an intense flavor, is rich in antioxidants. Additionally, the sunflower oil used in the recipe provides healthy fats necessary for a balanced diet.

So, I wish you to enjoy every bite of this trouble cake and turn every moment spent in the kitchen into a flavorful adventure! Remember, cooking is an art form, and every recipe is a story you can create and share with your loved ones!