Tender apple pie

Tender Apple Cake

If you are looking for a quick, easy-to-make dessert with a divine taste, you have come to the right place! The tender apple cake is a classic recipe, full of nostalgia, that reminds us of the flavors of childhood. The combination of caramelized apples, tender dough, and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes this cake a perfect delight for both a quiet afternoon and a party with friends.

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

Ingredients:
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g granulated sugar (plus sugar to taste for apples)
- 1 medium egg
- 1 packet baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1.5 – 2 kg apples (preferably tart)
- sugar and cinnamon to taste
- a pinch of salt
- powdered sugar for decoration

Recipe history:
Apple cake has deep roots in traditional cuisine, being prepared by generations. This simple recipe has been passed down from mother to daughter and has become a symbol of the autumn season when apples are at their peak. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or share it with loved ones, apple cake remains an excellent choice for any occasion.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling the apples. Use a sharp knife or a peeler to get thin slices. Then, grate them on a large grater. This will help release the juice from the apples and facilitate their caramelization.
Place the grated apples in a large pot, add sugar to taste, and sauté over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Leave them on the heat until the juice evaporates and you achieve a thick paste. Add cinnamon to taste, let it cool, and then set aside.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, 150 g sugar, egg, baking powder, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer on low speed to achieve a smooth dough. If you prefer, you can knead the dough by hand to feel the texture and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Dividing and rolling out the dough:
Divide the resulting dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet. Make sure the sheet is large enough to cover the baking tray. Use a tray of about 30x40 cm, which you grease with oil or butter.

4. Assembling the cake:
Place the sheet of dough in the prepared tray. Add an even layer of cooled apple paste over the dough. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough, which you place over the apples. Poke it in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns a pleasant golden color. You will know it is ready when the dough is firm and slightly elastic to the touch.

6. Cooling and serving:
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the tray, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance.

Serving suggestions:
The cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors. A cup of herbal tea or mulled wine would perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Possible variations:
To give your cake a personal touch, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple paste. You can also experiment with other spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional information:
This apple cake provides a good source of fiber from the apples, while the butter and sour cream add healthy fats essential for a balanced diet. A serving contains approximately 250 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even cherries are excellent alternatives. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the dough healthier?
You can replace part of the butter with olive oil or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce saturated fats.

3. What if I don't have all-purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour or oat flour can be successfully used, but the dough will have a denser texture.

Now you are ready to try this delicious cake! Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones, and their feedback will be the sweetest reward for your culinary efforts. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 600 g white flour, 200 g butter, 150 g granulated sugar for the layers, 1 egg, 1 packet of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 1.5-2 kg apples, sugar and cinnamon to taste, a pinch of salt, powdered sugar for dusting.

 Tags:  apple pie