My fluffy and quick summer apple cake

Fluffy Summer Apple Cake

Every summer, when the green apples make their appearance, I can't help but think of the pleasure of turning them into a delicious fluffy cake. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for those moments when you want to enjoy a light yet flavorful dessert. I promise that once you try it, it will become one of your favorite recipes!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 35-45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 12 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 12 tablespoons of sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for the apples)
- 24 tablespoons of flour
- 300-400 ml of yogurt (ideally homemade yogurt for an authentic taste)
- 3 eggs
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra freshness)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- A little breadcrumbs or crushed cookies (to prevent sticking)
- Summer green apples (about 4-5, depending on size)
- Cinnamon (optional, but recommended for a flavorful taste)

Preparation

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples. Use a sharp knife or a peeler to easily remove the skin. Then, grate them using a large grater and let them drain in a bowl to remove excess juice. This step is essential as it prevents the cake from becoming too wet.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It's important to have the oven well heated before placing the cake in to ensure even baking.

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, mix the oil, yogurt, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to combine the ingredients. Once the mixture is homogeneous, add the whole eggs, mixing well to incorporate them.

4. Adding dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the baking soda and flour. Mix well until you get a soft batter, similar to thick sour cream, but still flows easily.

5. Preparing the apples: Squeeze the apples well with a spoon, then add cinnamon and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. These ingredients will bring a sweet-sour taste, perfect for the cake.

6. Assembling the cake: In a greased cake pan, pour half of the batter and level it with a spatula. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed cookies, which will help absorb the apple juice. Then add the apples, distributing them evenly, and sprinkle another thin layer of breadcrumbs. Pour the remaining batter on top and level it again.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-30 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

8. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. It will become more tender as it cools.

Practical Tips

- Choose the right apples: Green apples are ideal due to their tart flavor, but you can also experiment with other types of apples. If you want to add a sweet contrast, try sweet apples.
- Vary the flavors: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for an interesting texture.
- Serving: Serve the cake plain or with a scoop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top. It provides a creamy contrast that makes the dessert even more delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

This fluffy apple cake is a healthier choice than many other desserts due to the yogurt that adds protein and probiotics. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or even flavored yogurt, but make sure it’s not too sweet.
- What do I do if I don’t have baking soda? You can substitute baking soda with baking powder, but adjust the amount (about 1.5-2 tablespoons).
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.

Conclusion

The fluffy summer apple cake is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every slice. It’s an easy, accessible recipe perfect for using the ingredients you have on hand. Childhood memories, the scent of apples and cinnamon, will make you return to this recipe again and again. So, don’t hesitate! Prepare your ingredients and enjoy a slice of warm cake with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 12 tablespoons of oil, 12 tablespoons of sugar + 2 for apples, 24 tablespoons of flour, 300-400 ml of yogurt, 3 eggs, zest of one lemon, cinnamon, summer green apples, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, a bit of breadcrumbs or crushed biscuits.