Caramelized Apple Cake - A Lenten Delicacy
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 180
Introduction:
Hello, dear cooking enthusiasts! Today I will share with you a recipe for caramelized apple cake that I learned from my dear aunt. This delicacy is simple and modest in ingredients, yet full of flavor and goodness. Perfect for fasting days or to satisfy a sweet craving without using eggs or milk. Sweet and aromatic apples, combined with a tender dough, will turn any meal into a true celebration.
A brief story:
Apple cakes have been prepared throughout history in many corners of the world. They are often associated with moments of family joy, reunions, or celebrations. Whether it is a traditional or a modern recipe, apples are the ingredient that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite.
Necessary ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 13 tablespoons of oil (or sunflower oil)
- 13 tablespoons of mineral water
- 11 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla (or a few drops of vanilla essence)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
*For the filling:*
- Approximately 1 kg of apples (preferably sweet apples)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- Cinnamon to taste
- Nuts (optional, but recommended for added texture)
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling the apples, removing the skin and seeds. Use a large grater to grate them. This method will allow a large quantity of apples to be incorporated into the cake. After grating, place them in a sieve and let them drain well. This step is essential to avoid a watery filling.
2. Caramelizing the apples:
In a pan, heat the oil and add the grated apples. Sprinkle sugar over the apples and let them caramelize over medium heat. Stir occasionally so that the sugar melts evenly and integrates with the apples. Once the apples have taken on a golden hue and are soft, let them cool. After cooling, add cinnamon to taste and, if desired, ground nuts.
3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the oil, mineral water, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix the ingredients well using a whisk. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously, until you obtain a smooth and soft dough. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps.
4. Freezing the dough:
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to grate on top of the cake.
5. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (low heat). Roll out part of the dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the dough evenly covers the bottom of the tray. On top of the dough, add the caramelized apple filling and ground nuts, distributing them evenly.
6. Finishing the cake:
Remove the dough from the freezer and grate it on top of the filling using a large grater. This will form a crispy crust that will contrast wonderfully with the soft apple filling.
7. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until the top becomes golden and crispy. Don’t forget to check occasionally to avoid burning.
8. Cooling and serving:
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Useful tips:
- Choose apples carefully: Sweet apples are ideal for this recipe, as the sugar will caramelize perfectly and add flavor. If using tart apples, feel free to adjust the sugar amount.
- Try a variation: You can add raisins or dried cranberries for an extra flavor boost. Also, experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Pair with beverages: This cake goes wonderfully with fruit tea or cold lemonade. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can replace the apples with pears or peaches, being careful to adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.
2. How can I store the cake?
This cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days. You can also store it in the fridge, but make sure it is covered to prevent it from drying out.
3. Is it suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan, and using mineral water and oil makes it perfect for those following a diet free of animal products.
4. How can I make the cake less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. Also, experiment with the oil, using a smaller amount.
I hope this caramelized apple cake recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and fills your home with delicious aromas! Enjoy!
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 180
Introduction:
Hello, dear cooking enthusiasts! Today I will share with you a recipe for caramelized apple cake that I learned from my dear aunt. This delicacy is simple and modest in ingredients, yet full of flavor and goodness. Perfect for fasting days or to satisfy a sweet craving without using eggs or milk. Sweet and aromatic apples, combined with a tender dough, will turn any meal into a true celebration.
A brief story:
Apple cakes have been prepared throughout history in many corners of the world. They are often associated with moments of family joy, reunions, or celebrations. Whether it is a traditional or a modern recipe, apples are the ingredient that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite.
Necessary ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 13 tablespoons of oil (or sunflower oil)
- 13 tablespoons of mineral water
- 11 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla (or a few drops of vanilla essence)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
*For the filling:*
- Approximately 1 kg of apples (preferably sweet apples)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- Cinnamon to taste
- Nuts (optional, but recommended for added texture)
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling the apples, removing the skin and seeds. Use a large grater to grate them. This method will allow a large quantity of apples to be incorporated into the cake. After grating, place them in a sieve and let them drain well. This step is essential to avoid a watery filling.
2. Caramelizing the apples:
In a pan, heat the oil and add the grated apples. Sprinkle sugar over the apples and let them caramelize over medium heat. Stir occasionally so that the sugar melts evenly and integrates with the apples. Once the apples have taken on a golden hue and are soft, let them cool. After cooling, add cinnamon to taste and, if desired, ground nuts.
3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the oil, mineral water, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix the ingredients well using a whisk. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously, until you obtain a smooth and soft dough. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps.
4. Freezing the dough:
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to grate on top of the cake.
5. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (low heat). Roll out part of the dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the dough evenly covers the bottom of the tray. On top of the dough, add the caramelized apple filling and ground nuts, distributing them evenly.
6. Finishing the cake:
Remove the dough from the freezer and grate it on top of the filling using a large grater. This will form a crispy crust that will contrast wonderfully with the soft apple filling.
7. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until the top becomes golden and crispy. Don’t forget to check occasionally to avoid burning.
8. Cooling and serving:
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Useful tips:
- Choose apples carefully: Sweet apples are ideal for this recipe, as the sugar will caramelize perfectly and add flavor. If using tart apples, feel free to adjust the sugar amount.
- Try a variation: You can add raisins or dried cranberries for an extra flavor boost. Also, experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Pair with beverages: This cake goes wonderfully with fruit tea or cold lemonade. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can replace the apples with pears or peaches, being careful to adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.
2. How can I store the cake?
This cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days. You can also store it in the fridge, but make sure it is covered to prevent it from drying out.
3. Is it suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan, and using mineral water and oil makes it perfect for those following a diet free of animal products.
4. How can I make the cake less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. Also, experiment with the oil, using a smaller amount.
I hope this caramelized apple cake recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and fills your home with delicious aromas! Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the dough: 13 tablespoons of oil, 13 tablespoons of mineral water, 11 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, vanilla, a pinch of salt, flour as needed. For the filling: About 1kg of apples, 1 cup of sugar (you can add more if the apples are sour), 2-3 tablespoons of oil, cinnamon, and walnuts.