Surprise cake with apples and plums
Surprise cake with apples and plums – a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for days when you crave a simple and tasty dessert. This cake is not only easy to prepare, but also brings a surprise with every slice thanks to the filling of apples and plums. Additionally, it is an excellent choice to delight the little ones, just like it did with my little one.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Necessary ingredients:
For the filling:
- 3 small apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples for a more intense flavor)
- 20 g sugar
- 20 g butter
- 3 dried plums (the plums add a rich flavor and pleasant texture)
- 1 tablespoon rum (you can use white rum for a milder taste)
- 3 sticks of cinnamon (the perfect aroma to complement the dessert)
For the batter:
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 60 g sugar
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 120 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 4 tablespoons apple juice syrup (adds moisture and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to make the cake fluffy)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the filling:
- Start by mixing the dried plums with the rum in a small bowl. Let them soak for 20 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors, and the plums will become softer.
- Meanwhile, wash the apples, then use a fork to poke them all over. This trick will help them steam evenly. Use a teaspoon to remove the seeds.
- In a small pan, melt the butter with the sugar. Once fully melted, pour the mixture into each apple, one tablespoon at a time. Place the apples in a bowl and cover them with a piece of parchment paper. Microwave them on medium power for 10 minutes. This step will make the apples soft and delicious.
2. Preparing the batter:
- In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until it becomes a fluffy and light-colored mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which will lead to a fluffy cake.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to mix at high speed for about a minute for each egg.
- Sift the flour and baking powder over the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula or a paddle to gently mix, without overdoing it – you want to keep the air in the batter.
3. Assembling the cake:
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour a third of the batter into the pan, then place the 3 baked apples filled with plums. Make sure the plums are well positioned in the center of the apples, and then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You will know it is ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
4. Cooling and serving:
- After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes. This step is important to avoid sogginess.
- Slice it and serve warm or at room temperature. Add a touch of elegance by dusting it with powdered sugar or serving it with a dollop of cream.
Practical tips:
- You can experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins, instead of plums, to give the cake a new flavor dimension.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the batter.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but you can freeze it to enjoy later. Make sure it is well covered to avoid excessive freezing.
Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, while plums contribute antioxidants and minerals. Butter and eggs add healthy fats and proteins, making this cake a more balanced choice compared to many other desserts.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can replace the apples with pears or peaches, and the plums with other dried fruits, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the cake moister?
Add more apple juice syrup or a little yogurt to the batter.
3. What are the best drink pairings to serve with this cake?
A warm fruit tea or a glass of sweet white wine pairs perfectly with this dessert.
This surprise cake with apples and plums is a wonderful recipe to integrate into your culinary routine, being not only easy to make but also satisfying for both kids and adults. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 3 small apples, 20 g sugar, 20 g butter, 3 dried plums, 1 tablespoon rum, 3 cinnamon sticks. For the dough: 100 g butter, 60 g sugar, 2 eggs, 120 g flour, 4 tablespoons apple syrup, 1 teaspoon baking powder.
