Apple and Raisin Cake

Apple and Raisin Cake - A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, this apple and raisin cake recipe is the perfect choice! With a soft dough and a fragrant apple filling, it’s ideal to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This cake will not only delight your taste buds but also bring back cherished childhood memories when the aroma of baked apples filled the whole house.

Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 servings

Necessary Ingredients

Apple Filling
- 1.5 kg apples (preferably tart apples, like Granny Smith)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g brown raisins, soaked in rum

Dough
- 3 eggs
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil)
- 1/2 packet baking powder (5 g)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 10 tablespoons milk
- 600-700 g flour (type 650 is ideal)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Apple Filling
Start by washing and peeling the apples. Use a large grater to shred them into fine strips. In a large bowl, add the lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar to the grated apples. Mix well and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the apples to release their natural juice, which will give the filling an extraordinary flavor.

Helpful tip: Don’t throw away the juice left by the apples! This is a natural nectar that you can use as a tasty drink or add to smoothies.

After 30 minutes, squeeze the apples well to remove excess juice. Mix the drained apples with the raisins that have been soaked in rum. Make sure the raisins are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Preparing the Dough
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture doubles in volume. It’s essential to use an electric mixer to achieve an airy texture. Then, add the oil, grated lemon zest, and milk, continuing to mix.

Tip: Adding lemon zest not only enriches the flavor but also provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the apples.

Dissolve the baking powder in the lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently until you achieve a smooth dough. Divide the dough into two equal parts.

3. Assembling the Cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take a 30x30 cm baking pan and grease it with a little oil or line it with parchment paper.

Spread the first part of the dough in the pan, then add the apple filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Cover with the second layer of dough, rolled out to the size of the pan. Use a fork to make a few punctures on the surface of the cake; this will allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until it turns lightly golden on top. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

5. Serving
Once you remove the cake from the oven, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This will add a sweet and aesthetic contrast. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 3 g

Possible Variations
- Adding Nuts: You can add chopped nuts to the apple filling for an extra texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: If you want a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
- Spices: Instead of cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can replace the apples with pears or peaches, but adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the fruits.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

In conclusion, this apple and raisin cake recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little magic into your kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it’s a dessert that will surely impress. So gather your ingredients, get to work, and let the aroma of baked apples carry you away! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for a 30/30 tray: Filling: 1.5 kg apples, juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons sugar, 200 g brown raisins soaked in rum. Dough: 3 eggs, 10 tablespoons sugar, 10 tablespoons oil, 1/2 packet baking powder (5 g), juice of half a lemon, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, 10 tablespoons milk, 600-700 g flour, powdered sugar for serving.

 Tags:  apple and raisin cake