Finnish apple pie

Finnish apple cake is a true delight that combines the sweet aroma of apples with the fluffy texture of the dough, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe, as simple as it is refined, will surely become one of your favorites. Let's discover together the necessary steps to achieve a perfect cake that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g Rama margarine (or butter)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 400 g flour
- 100 g ground walnuts (or ground almonds)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (preferably sour apples, but you can also use sweet apples)
- 4 eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence

Recipe history:
Apple cake has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, being a symbol of generosity and comfort. It is often associated with festive moments and family gatherings, where its inviting aroma fills the air and brings loved ones together. In many cultures, apples are considered fruits of knowledge and health, and making an apple cake thus becomes a pleasant activity that unites both ingredients and hearts.

Step by step for a delicious Finnish apple cake:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, start by mixing the margarine (or butter) with the sugar. Use a mixer or a spatula to achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential and will influence the final texture of the cake.

2. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important that the ingredients are at room temperature so that they blend better.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Next, add the flour, ground walnuts, and cinnamon. Mix everything with a spatula or with the mixer at low speed until you obtain a uniform dough. Don’t be alarmed if the dough is softer than expected; this is a good sign!

4. Preparing the tray: Place aluminum foil or baking paper in the tray (recommended dimensions are 40cm x 28cm). Wet your hands in cold water and spread the dough evenly in the tray, ensuring that the edges are slightly raised. This detail will help retain the apple filling.

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice them thinly. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the dough, trying to pack them in as tightly as possible. The apple not only adds sweetness but also a pleasant moisture to the cake.

6. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, beat the four eggs with a fork, add the sugar, vanilla essence, and milk. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Pour this mixture over the apples placed on the dough, making sure to cover them evenly.

7. Baking: Sprinkle the two packets of vanilla sugar over the filling and place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (low heat). Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray. This is an important step; if you cut it too early, it may crumble. Wait until it cools completely before portioning it.

Serving and suggestions:
This Finnish apple cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a texture contrast that will delight your taste buds. Additionally, a cup of fragrant tea or an espresso can perfectly accompany this dessert.

Possible variations:
To give a personal touch to your cake, you can try adding some whole nuts or almonds to the dough or sprinkle a little cocoa in the filling for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different types of apples, choosing combinations of sweet and sour apples to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains apples rich in fiber and essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Nuts provide healthy fats and proteins, while eggs and milk add a good source of calcium. However, it is good to know that the cake also contains a considerable amount of sugar, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine, and the cake will have a richer taste.

2. What type of apples should I use?
Sour apples, like green ones, are ideal, but you can also use sweet apples, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

Therefore, don't hesitate to try this Finnish apple cake recipe and share it with your loved ones. Every bite is a celebration of flavors and aromas, perfect for any occasion!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 300 g butter, 200 g sugar, 4 eggs, 100 g ground walnuts, 400 g flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Filling ingredients: 1.5 kg apples (can be up to 2 kg), 4 eggs, 200 ml milk, 8 tablespoons sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 vanilla essence.