Genoese sponge cake with apples
Genoese Apple Sponge Cake: A Warm Delicacy for Autumn Evenings
As the evenings grow longer and cooler, there's nothing more comforting than a slice of fresh sponge cake filled with fragrant apples. This Genoese apple sponge cake recipe is not only simple but also delicious, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Inspired by pastry traditions, this light cake will bring a smile to anyone who tastes it. Let's get started!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 3 large apples, peeled and cored
- 20 grams unsalted butter (plus 20 grams for caramelizing the apples)
- 20 grams vanilla sugar
- 60 grams granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 90 grams flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the oven and the pan: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Choose a round baking pan (about 24 cm in diameter) and grease it with a little butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Preparing the apples: Slice two apples into thin rounds and chop the third into cubes. These will add a fantastic texture and a sweet-tart flavor to your cake.
3. Caramelizing the apples: In a skillet, melt 20 grams of butter over low heat. Add the vanilla sugar and stir well. Once the butter is completely melted, add the apple rounds and let them caramelize for a few minutes until golden and soft. Arrange them evenly on the bottom of the pan, covering the entire surface. Afterwards, caramelize the apple cubes for a few minutes, then let them cool.
4. Preparing the sponge mixture: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and place a suitable bowl on top, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water. In this bowl, mix the three eggs with the sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until fluffy and tripled in volume, with a light color.
5. Adding the dry ingredients: Once the egg mixture has cooled, gently fold in the flour and cinnamon. Use a spatula and mix lightly to avoid losing the air from the eggs. Finally, add the 20 grams of melted butter, mixing gently again.
6. Incorporating the apples: Add the caramelized apple cubes to the batter and mix until well combined. It's important not to overmix to maintain the fluffy texture of the sponge.
7. Baking: Pour the mixture over the apple slices in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for added flavor. Serve warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea — the combination is simply divine!
Helpful tips:
- Choose apples that are sweet and slightly tart for a pleasant contrast of flavors. Granny Smith or Fuji apples are excellent choices.
- You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the batter for an extra crunch and flavor.
- If you want to enhance the aroma, add a few drops of lemon juice over the caramelized apples.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 180
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sponge in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving to restore its fluffy texture.
2. Can I replace the apples with other fruits?
Certainly! You can experiment with pears or peaches for an equally delicious variation.
3. How can I make the sponge even healthier?
Replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar, adjusting to your taste preferences.
This Genoese apple sponge cake recipe is perfect for autumn evenings or to impress guests. The flavors of cinnamon and caramelized apples will remind you of warm family moments, and the fluffy texture will make you come back to it again and again. So put on your cooking clothes and get ready to enjoy a delicious cake!
Ingredients: 3 large apples, peeled and cored, 20 grams unsalted butter, 20 grams vanilla sugar, 3 eggs, 60 grams granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 90 grams flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 20 grams soft but cold unsalted butter.
