Quick cake with apples and caramel (vegan)

Quick Apple and Caramel Cake (Vegan)

Cooking is not just a necessity; it is an art that brings us together, delights our souls, and enriches our lives with delicious aromas. The Quick Apple and Caramel Cake is a perfect example of a dish that combines simplicity with flavor. This recipe, ideal during fasting periods, is easy to make and does not require eggs or complicated dough. Additionally, it is an excellent choice to impress family or friends with a warm, aromatic dessert.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 1.2 kg fresh apples (preferably sour varieties)
- 150 g sugar for caramelizing
- 150 g margarine
- 1 cup semolina (approximately 250 g)
- 1 cup flour (approximately 250 g)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 250 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

Necessary tools

- A deeper baking dish or pot
- A large mixing bowl
- A grater for apples
- A spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Oven

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the apples and peeling them. Grate them carefully using a grater, ensuring to remove the stem and seeds. It is essential to keep one whole apple for decoration.

2. Caramelizing the sugar
In a baking dish or pot, add 150 g of sugar for caramelizing. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. When the sugar turns into a golden syrup, distribute it evenly on the bottom of the dish. Be careful not to burn it too much, as burnt caramel will spoil the dessert's taste.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the three cups of dry ingredients: 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of semolina, and 1 cup of sugar. Add the baking powder and one packet of vanilla sugar, mixing well. This mixture will give the cake a fluffy and airy texture.

4. Preparing the apple filling
Squeeze the grated apples to remove excess juice, then mix them with the remaining sugar (6 tablespoons), cinnamon, and grated lemon or orange peel. If desired, you can also add raisins for extra flavor.

5. Assembling the cake
Over the caramelized sugar, evenly distribute the diced margarine. Arrange the apple slices (reserving one apple for decoration) around the edge of the dish. Add half of the flour, sugar, and semolina mixture, then place the squeezed apples on top. Press gently to settle them, then add the rest of the mixture. Level it off and press gently with a spatula.

6. Adding the liquid
After placing the ingredients, pour the juice obtained from the apples over the top. If you have less than 300-350 ml of liquid, top up with a bit of compote or fruit juice mixed with water and 2 tablespoons of sugar. I used about 150 ml of cherry compote, which added a delicious taste and a vibrant hue.

7. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let the cake bake for 35 minutes. After this period, remove the dish, take off the foil, and dust with cinnamon. Continue baking the cake for another 10-15 minutes until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

8. Serving
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a spatula to cut generous portions and carefully remove them from the dish. Place the slices on plates with the apple side up. You can decorate with raisins, colorful candies, or walnut pieces for an attractive appearance.

Helpful tips

- Choosing apples: Sour apples are the most suitable for this recipe as they provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized sugar.
- Vegan option: This cake is also perfect for those observing religious fasts, as it is free from eggs and dairy products.
- Caramelized pears: You can substitute apples with pears for a different but equally tasty version. The flavors combine wonderfully with cinnamon and caramelized sugar.
- Consumption: The cake can be served warm or cold, being equally delicious in both variations.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, positively impacting heart health and the digestive system. Additionally, replacing animal-derived ingredients with plant-based alternatives makes this cake a more easily digestible option.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar provides a deeper flavor and a darker color to the cake.

- How can I store the cake?
I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can also be consumed in the following days.

Complementary recipes

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea, a cappuccino, or even a glass of fresh orange juice. If you want to add a twist, you can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, which will balance the sweetness.

Enjoy making this quick apple and caramel cake and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! It is a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of those who savor it.

 Ingredients: 1.2 kg apples 150 g sugar for caramelizing 150 g margarine 1 cup semolina 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 packet baking powder 2 packets vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 6 tablespoons sugar for filling 1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange zest optional 2 tablespoons raisins