Cake with apple puree and chocolate
Apple and Chocolate Cake
A delicious, moist, and aromatic cake that combines the sweetness of apples with decadent chocolate and a crunchy hazelnut filling. This recipe, inspired by the renowned chef Anna Olson, transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or as an exquisite dessert for a special occasion.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the batter:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- ½ cup oil (preferably sunflower or light olive oil)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (dark for a more intense flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 50 g yogurt (can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- ½ cup apple puree (about 2 large apples)
- 1 cup flour
For the filling:
- 30 g melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 50 g hazelnuts (unsalted, roughly chopped)
- 30 g chocolate (grated or chopped)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
For decoration:
- 50 g hazelnuts (unsalted, optional)
- 50 g dark chocolate (melted)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the apple puree
Start by making the apple puree. Peel the two apples, cut them into cubes, and boil them in a pot of water for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft. Then, drain the water and blend them until you achieve a smooth puree. Allow the puree to cool completely before using it in the batter.
Step 2: Preparing the filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped hazelnuts with sugar, cocoa powder, grated or chopped chocolate, and the two tablespoons of flour. Add the melted butter and mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The filling should be moist and slightly sticky. Set it aside to add later to the cake.
Step 3: Preparing the batter
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the oil and sugar until you have a creamy mixture, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix to incorporate them well. Add the apple puree and yogurt, mixing thoroughly.
In another bowl, combine the flour with cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft and uniform batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as this will make the cake dense.
Step 4: Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with oil and dust it with granulated sugar. This technique not only helps the cake release easily but also gives it an attractive shine. Pour half of the batter into the pan, then add the hazelnut filling, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining batter on top and, for a crunchy finish, sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top.
Step 5: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Decorating
Once the cake has cooled, melt the dark chocolate and use it to decorate the top. You can sprinkle the remaining hazelnuts for a more appealing look.
Serving suggestions
The apple and chocolate cake is delicious served plain, but it can be paired with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea complements the sweetness of this dessert perfectly.
Nutritional benefits
This cake is an excellent choice due to the apple puree, which adds fiber and vitamins, while the chocolate provides antioxidants. Additionally, the hazelnuts contribute healthy fats and protein, making this cake not only a tasty dessert but also a healthier option.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of fruit to make this cake?
Absolutely! You can experiment with banana puree or pear puree for different flavors.
2. How can I make the cake lower in calories?
Replace the butter with Greek yogurt or use natural sweeteners instead of sugar.
3. What can I do with the leftover hazelnuts?
The remaining hazelnuts can be used as a topping for salads or added to breakfast cereals for an extra crunch.
4. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to 3 days.
Personalized option
If you want an even more flavorful cake, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter. This small adjustment will add an enticing aroma and make the dessert even more special!
In conclusion, this apple and chocolate cake is not only easy to make but also an excellent choice for any occasion. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite full of flavor! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 100 g butter, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons cocoa, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 50 g yogurt, 1/2 cup apple puree, 1 cup flour. For the filling: 30 g melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 50 g unsalted nuts, 30 g chocolate, 1 tablespoon cocoa. For decoration: 50 g unsalted nuts, 50 g dark chocolate.
