Quick apple cake with burnt sugar (vegan)

Quick Apple Cake with Burnt Sugar (Vegan)

When it comes to simple yet special desserts, the apple cake with burnt sugar is at the top of the preferences. This recipe is not only ideal for fasting periods but also an excellent choice at any time of the year, thanks to its enticing flavors and delicious texture. Without eggs and complicated dough, this cake is accessible to everyone, even the youngest cooks.

Before we start cooking, let's explore a bit of the history of this dessert. The origins of apple cakes are deeply rooted in culinary traditions that celebrate the fruits of autumn. Apples, with their sweetness and acidity, have been used in sweet dishes since ancient times. Burnt sugar, on the other hand, adds a caramel note and a crunchy texture, perfect for complementing the flavor of apples.

Let's get to work! This recipe can be prepared in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from the ingredients below, we will get approximately 12 servings.

Ingredients:
- 1.2 kg apples
- 150 g sugar (for caramelizing)
- 150 g butter (or margarine)
- 1 cup semolina (about 250 g)
- 1 cup flour (about 250 g)
- 1 cup sugar (about 200 g)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel
- Optional: 2 tablespoons raisins

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the apples well. Choosing the right apples is crucial; the best results are obtained with tart apples that caramelize beautifully. After washing, peel them, remove the seeds and core. Grate the apples and squeeze out the juice well. Keep one apple for decoration.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the three cups of sugar, flour, semolina, and baking powder. Add one packet of vanilla sugar and mix well. This mixture will form the base of the cake.

3. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pot or a higher baking dish, caramelize 150 g of sugar. It is important not to burn it too much; ideally, it should turn golden. Evenly distribute the caramelized sugar on the bottom of the dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the squeezed apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon or orange peel, and the remaining vanilla sugar. If desired, add raisins for extra flavor.

5. Assembling the cake: Evenly distribute the margarine over the caramelized sugar. Place thinly sliced apples around the edge of the dish. Now put half of the flour, sugar, and semolina mixture over the apples. Then add the squeezed apples, pressing gently. Cover with the remaining mixture, leveling it with a spatula. Pour the juice from the apples over the entire composition.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) for about 35 minutes. After this time, remove the dish, take off the foil, and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Leave the cake in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until it turns golden.

7. Serving: It is essential to let the cake cool slightly before cutting it. Use a spatula to remove piece by piece. Serve on plates with apple slices facing up. You can decorate with raisins, colorful candies, or nuts to add a festive touch.

Useful tips:
- Fruit variant: If you want to add more fruit, try combining apples with pears or peaches. This mix will bring a fresh flavor to the cake.
- Caramelized sugar: If you want a more intense taste, you can add a little butter during the caramelization of the sugar.
- Pairings: This cake pairs perfectly with black tea or flavored coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream will turn the dessert into a true delicacy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more intense caramelized flavor.
- What should I do if I don't have semolina? You can use only flour, but the taste will be slightly different.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the composition and use tarter apples.

This quick apple cake with burnt sugar is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to everyday life. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, you can be sure it will please everyone. Enjoy every bite!