Apple cake with jam glaze

Apple Cake with Apricot Glaze: A Delicious Recipe Inspired by Mary Berry

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I will share a recipe for apple cake with apricot glaze that will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you to a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for moments spent with loved ones. This cake is soft, fluffy, and has a perfect combination of sweet and tart, thanks to the apples and cinnamon. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 75 g butter at room temperature (this will give the cake a fine texture)
- 200 g wheat flour (to achieve a solid base)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for perfect rising)
- 2 eggs (fresh and of high quality)
- 2 apples (diced) + 1/2 apple (sliced for decoration)
- 100 g sugar (preferably brown sugar for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more if you love the aroma)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor boost)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (warm, for glazing)

A bit of history
Apple cake is a classic recipe that has been loved by many generations. This moist and flavorful dessert has often been prepared to celebrate special moments, as well as a good way to use up apples that are starting to age. The idea of adding apricot jam as a glaze is a personal touch that brings a hint of sweetness and elegance to the dessert.

Step by step: how to prepare apple cake with apricot glaze

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure it is well heated before placing the cake inside for even baking.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and flour. Use a mixer or spatula to rub the butter with the flour until you achieve a crumbly consistency.

3. Adding flavoring ingredients: In the same bowl, add the baking powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. These spices will give the cake a wonderful aroma.

4. Preparing the eggs and apples: In another bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk or mixer until frothy. Add the diced apples to this mixture and gently stir.

5. Combining ingredients: Pour the egg and apple mixture over the flour mixture. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients, being careful not to overmix so as not to affect the fluffy texture of the cake.

6. Placing in the pan: Line a loaf pan with baking paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it evenly. Place the apple slices on top and sprinkle a little sugar (brown sugar works great here) to achieve a caramelized crust.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden and firm to the touch. You can check if it is baked using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and glazing: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a teaspoon to spread the warm apricot jam over the surface of the cake. This will give it a glossy appearance and a delicious flavor.

Serving suggestions
This apple cake with apricot glaze is perfect served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a bit of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert. It is ideal for an after-party, a brunch with friends, or simply to enjoy a moment of personal indulgence.

Possible variations
- You can experiment with other types of apples – tart ones, like Granny Smith, provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the jam.
- If you like nuts, try adding some chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Another option would be to replace the apricot jam with raspberry or blackberry jam for a fruitier note.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this cake a healthier choice compared to other desserts. Butter provides healthy fats, and cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Of course, it's important to consume in moderation, but this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure they are well drained to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I replace the butter with oil? Yes, you can use sunflower oil or olive oil, but the texture will be slightly different.
3. How can I store the cake? You can keep it at room temperature in a closed container for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

I hope this apple cake with apricot glaze recipe quickly becomes your favorite! It is simple, quick, and delicious, perfect for special moments or to treat your family. Happy baking and best wishes to you!

 Ingredients: 75 g butter, 200 g flour, 0 teaspoons baking powder, 2 eggs, 2 apples diced + half sliced (for decoration), 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 vanilla sugar, 2 tablespoons warm apricot jam.