Whole Apple Cake

Whole Apple Cake: a simple delight full of nostalgia

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

I present to you a simple yet special recipe that combines the sweet taste of apples with the fluffy texture of sponge cake. This whole apple cake is not just a dessert, but a vivid memory of childhood, when the aroma of baked apples delighted our senses and brought smiles to our faces.

Let's begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients

For the sponge:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of oil (preferably sunflower oil, but you can also use olive oil for a slightly different taste)
- 2 cups of flour (white or whole grain, depending on your preference)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon of ammonium bicarbonate extinguished with lemon juice (this will give a fluffy texture)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- Apples (about 4-6 apples, depending on the size of your baking dish)
- Sugar for filling the apple cores (about 1-2 tablespoons, but adjust according to your taste)

Filling preparation

1. Start by washing the apples well. Choose firm and sweet apples, but not overly ripe, so they can withstand baking.
2. Peel each apple and remove the cores, ensuring there is a large enough cavity to fill with sugar.
3. Place the apples in a baking dish. If you have a smaller dish, the cake will be taller and fluffier, so choose wisely!

Sponge preparation

1. In a large bowl, start by beating the egg whites. Use an electric mixer to achieve a firm foam. It is important that the egg whites are beaten so well that if you turn the bowl upside down, they do not fall out.
2. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and dense.
3. Gently incorporate the egg yolks, mixing lightly with a spatula or wooden spoon, so as not to lose the incorporated air.
4. Now comes an important step: gradually add the oil, mixing with a wooden spoon. This method will ensure a fine and fluffy texture of the sponge.
5. Gradually sift the flour, mixing gently from the bottom up, so as not to deflate the mixture. The dough should have a consistency similar to that of a loaf batter: not too soft, but not too dense either.
6. Finally, add the ammonium bicarbonate extinguished with lemon juice and mix gently.

Assembling the cake

1. Fill each apple with a little sugar, being careful not to overfill them, to avoid spilling in the dish.
2. Pour the sponge mixture over the filled apples, ensuring they are evenly covered.
3. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat) and place the dish inside. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until it is nicely browned on top and passes the toothpick test.

Useful tips

- Checking doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked. If it comes out clean from the center, it is ready.
- Serving: You can decorate the cake with whipped cream and a dollop of chocolate for an elegant look. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside would turn the dessert into a true indulgence.
- Variations: Instead of apples, you can also try pears or peaches for an equally delicious version.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This whole apple cake is a healthier choice than many other desserts, due to its fruit content. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. A serving of cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the serving size and the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
Yes, but make sure they are well drained; otherwise, the cake might be too moist.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge or opt for tarter apples.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent moisture freezing.

This whole apple cake is not just a dessert, but a moment of joy, a memory from childhood, and a perfect recipe to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!