Apple Pie
Refreshing Caramelized Apple Cake
This apple cake is a true celebration of flavors, perfect for warm days or when you need a light yet delicious dessert. The caramelized apples bring a natural sweetness, while the airy batter perfectly blends the flavors. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this wonderful cake, step by step.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart or sweet-tart, depending on preference)
- 4 eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
- 2 cups of sugar (one cup for the batter, and 2 tablespoons for caramelizing)
- 2 cups of flour
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 tablespoons of oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Essences to taste (vanilla or almond are excellent)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for greasing the pan)
Preparing the cake:
1. Preparing the apples:
Start by washing the apples well. Use a special peeling tool to remove the cores, but if the apples are small, you can leave them whole. Place the apples in a baking dish, putting them close together to benefit from the delicious taste of the caramel.
2. Caramelizing the apples:
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar over the apples. Add a small cube of butter between the apples, which will help create a delicious sauce during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish with apples in the oven, allowing them to soften and the sugar to caramelize, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Preparing the batter:
While the apples are in the oven, you can prepare the batter. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a mixer until fluffy. In a saucepan, add one cup of sugar and the 5 tablespoons of water. Simmer on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and becomes a syrup.
4. The perfect combination:
Gradually add the hot syrup over the beaten egg whites, stirring continuously as if making mayonnaise. Keep mixing until the mixture doubles in volume. Now, add the yolks, oil, essence, and lemon zest. Mix well!
5. Finalizing the batter:
Finally, fold in the flour with a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the batter.
6. Assembling the cake:
Check the apples; they should be slightly soft. Let them cool slightly, then pour the batter evenly over the apples. Put the dish back in the oven and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and firm to the touch.
7. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it onto a plate. You can serve the cake plain or with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top to add a creamy contrast to the light texture of the cake.
Useful tips:
- Choosing the apples: Tart apples bring a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized sugar. You can also try sweeter apples, but make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use vegetable oil.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for any dessert. Whole wheat flour and olive oil used in the recipe contribute to a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different version of this cake.
- How long does it keep? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it to protect it from drying out.
This caramelized apple cake is not just a dessert but also a delightful culinary experience that blends flavors and textures. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your taste, turning it into your own favorite. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1kg of sourer apples or depending on the tray we use for the cake 4 eggs 2 cups of sugar 2 cups of flour 5 tablespoons of water 5 tablespoons of oil 2 tablespoons of sugar lemon zest essence to taste a pinch of salt 1 tablespoon of butter
