Apple pie

Apple Cake - a simple and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Stepping into the culinary universe of desserts, the apple cake has its well-deserved place. This dessert is not only easy to prepare but brings together the rich flavors of apples with a fluffy texture, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from a festive meal to a simple weekend treat. Apples, with their sweetness and juiciness, are the stars of this recipe, and the combination with cinnamon adds a touch of magic. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g yogurt (preferably natural yogurt, to avoid additives)
- 500 g apples (about 4-5 medium apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart taste or Gala apples for a pleasant sweetness)
- 10 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also opt for olive oil)
- 10 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount based on how sweet the apples are)
- 20 tablespoons flour (white wheat flour is standard, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier variant)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (ensures a fluffy texture)
- 1-2 drops vanilla essence (for a subtle aroma)
- 1 pinch of cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon, but the taste is subjective)
- 1-2 tablespoons vinegar (to activate the baking soda)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples well. Grate them on a large grater and drain the excess juice. This step is important to prevent the cake from becoming too wet. If desired, you can add a splash of lemon juice to prevent the apples from oxidizing.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the oil and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients well. Add the vanilla essence and yogurt, continuing to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is the wet base of your cake, which will contribute to a soft and fluffy texture.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and baking soda. Add a bit of vinegar to activate the baking soda, then incorporate the flour mixture into the wet composition. Mix gently until there are no lumps. Do not overmix, as this will develop the gluten and keep the cake fluffy.

4. Assembling the cake: Prepare a baking tray (about 30x20 cm) by greasing it with a little oil and lining it with baking paper. Pour half of the obtained mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Then, add the grated apples mixed with a pinch of cinnamon. Level the apples to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Cover the apples with the remaining mixture.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and place the cake inside. Let it bake for about 45 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, you can cover the top with aluminum foil.

6. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an attractive appearance.

Useful tips:

- Vegan option: You can replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (e.g., soy or coconut yogurt) and the oil with melted coconut oil.
- Creative substitutions: Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches, and cinnamon can be replaced with nutmeg or cardamom to vary the flavors.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement the dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

This apple cake is a healthier option compared to other desserts, having a moderate amount of sugar and fats due to the yogurt. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making this dessert a better choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising their health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned apples? It is recommended to use fresh apples, as canned ones may add excess moisture to the cake.
- How do I store the cake? The cake stores well in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend portioning it before placing it in the freezer. Once thawed, it can be warmed in the microwave to restore its fluffy texture.

In conclusion, the apple cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that can be adapted to personal preferences. I invite you to try this recipe, enjoy its wonderful flavors, and share it with loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every cake is a story worth telling!

 Ingredients: 600 g yogurt, 500 g apples, 10 tablespoons oil, 10 tablespoons sugar, 20 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, vanilla essence, cinnamon, vinegar