Dessert cake with whole apples

The dessert that combines the sweet aroma of baked apples with a fluffy base is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a culinary masterpiece that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious apple cake, perfect for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a special celebration. This quick and easy dessert will surely become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

Filling:
- 7 medium apples (choose sweet apples like Golden or Fuji for excellent flavor)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (for caramel)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to sprinkle over the apples)
- 7 tablespoons strawberry jam (you can also use other types of jam, such as peach or raspberry)

Base:
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 75 g sugar
- 75 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the caramel: Start by making the caramel. In a small saucepan, add the 4 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently. Watch as the sugar begins to melt, forming a golden mixture. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can burn. When the caramel takes on an amber hue, pour it evenly into a cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and let it cool slightly.

2. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples, cut them in half, and remove the seeds. Arrange them in the pan over the caramel, covering the entire base. In each cavity of the apples, place a teaspoon of strawberry jam and sprinkle the remaining sugar on top. These details will add a touch of freshness and flavor.

3. Baking the apples: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (or 392 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the pan with apples in the oven and leave it there for 15-20 minutes, until the apples become soft and the caramel begins to bubble slightly. This baking time will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

4. Preparing the base: While the apples are baking, you can start preparing the base. Separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. In the bowl with the yolks, add the sugar and baking powder, mixing well until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Then, gradually fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate them.

5. Adding the flour: Finally, sift the flour over the egg mixture and incorporate it with gentle, upward strokes until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This will give the base a fluffy texture.

6. Combining the ingredients: After the apples have baked, remove the pan from the oven and pour the base mixture over the apples, ensuring everything is well covered. Put the pan back in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius (or 356 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. When the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean), the dessert is ready.

7. Cooling and serving: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter. You can decorate it with a little powdered sugar, almond flakes, or even vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. Personally, I like to serve it plain, showcasing the apples to appreciate the beauty of this dessert.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can add a little cinnamon to the apple mixture.
- Make sure to use fresh apples, as they are key to a tasty cake. Softer apples will not hold up during baking and may turn into mush.
- Instead of strawberry jam, you can experiment with orange marmalade or plum jam, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The white flour base provides quick energy, but you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrients and a richer texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even some berries.
- How do I store the cake? This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A cup of herbal tea or a semi-dry white wine will pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

I hope this apple cake recipe inspires you to explore the art of cooking and bring joy to those around you. Enjoy every step and don’t forget to leave your personal touch in every dish!

 Ingredients: Filling: 7 apples 2 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons sugar for caramel 7 teaspoons strawberry jam Base: 4 eggs 75 g sugar 75 g flour 1 packet baking powder

 Tags:  dessert cake with whole apples apples apple pie cake base