Apple Cake (vegan)

Vegan Apple Cake – A Simple and Comforting Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a Vegan Apple Cake together, a simple and tasty recipe that will bring joy to both those following a vegetarian diet and those who simply love the enticing flavors of apples and freshly baked cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a gathering with friends.

The history of apple cake is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Apples, considered symbols of health and prosperity, have been used throughout history in various sweet and savory dishes. Nowadays, apple cake has transformed into a classic dessert, appreciated for its simplicity and for the way it combines textures and flavors.

Now, let’s get to work!

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and juicy apples for better flavor)
- ½ cup sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional, but recommended for a fragrant note)

Ingredients for the batter:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water (the carbonation adds a fluffy texture)
- 1 cup oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- 500 g flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 1 packet baking powder (to help the cake rise)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (activated with a little vinegar, lemon, or sourdough)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (for a more aromatic taste)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the flavor)
- 200 g sour cherries (optional, for a flavor contrast)

Step 1: Preparing the apples
Start by washing the apples well. After washing, peel them and cut them into small pieces. These will become the base of our delicious cake. In a heat-resistant dish, lightly grease the bottom and sides with a little oil. Place the cut apples in the dish, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and rum essence. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let the apples bake for 1 hour. They will become soft and fragrant, and their juice will make the cake even more delicious.

Step 2: Preparing the batter
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add one cup of sugar and pour in the sparkling water and oil. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture will bring moisture and texture to our batter.

In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This will ensure the batter is fluffy and airy. Once you have mixed the flour with the baking powder, gradually add this mixture to the bowl with the sparkling water and oil mixture. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Step 3: Activating the baking soda
In a small cup, add the baking soda and activate it with vinegar, lemon, or sourdough. This step is crucial as the reaction will help the dough rise. Add the activated baking soda to the mixture above and mix well. The final consistency of the batter should be similar to that of a pound cake batter.

Step 4: Finishing the cake
After the apples have baked for 1 hour, take them out of the oven. If you want to add sour cherries, now is the right time. They will provide a note of acidity and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Pour the batter over the hot apples, making sure to cover evenly.

Put the cake back in the oven and bake for the first 10 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius, then reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and bake for 1 hour. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 5: Serving
Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in its pan. Then, turn it out onto a plate. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it with a spoonful of natural yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Helpful tips:
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor – a mix of sweet and tart apples will bring a diversity of flavors.
- Instead of sour cherries, you can try other berries or even chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- The apple cake keeps well in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance for a special occasion!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener? Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount according to the desired sweetness.
- What can I do if I don’t have sparkling water? You can use still water, but sparkling water helps achieve a fluffier texture.
- How can I tell if the cake is ready? Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

This vegan apple cake is not just a delicious recipe, but also a pleasant cooking experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!