Apple Cake

Apple pie – a classic delicacy, perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This pie is an excellent choice for a sweet snack or a dessert to accompany a relaxed afternoon with loved ones. Let's venture together into this apple pie recipe, which is not only delicious but also simple to make, even for those with little kitchen experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons lard (or Delma margarine)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 packet baking powder (dissolved in a little lemon juice)

For the filling:
- 1.5-2 kg apples (preferably sweet and sour varieties)
- 1 tablespoon Delma margarine
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 2 tablespoons semolina

For finishing:
- 1 beaten egg (optional)
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

Start by mixing the flour with the lard or Delma margarine in a large bowl. Use your fingers to knead the mixture until it becomes soft and sandy. This step is essential for achieving a tender and tasty dough.

Add the sugar, eggs, and sour cream, mixing gently. Now, dissolve the baking powder in the lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Knead the dough until you achieve a homogeneous consistency. If you notice that the dough is too sticky, feel free to add a few more tablespoons of flour.

Step 2: Preparing the apple filling

Peel the apples and grate them on a large grater. Place them in a pan over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of Delma margarine. Sauté the apples for about 10 minutes, until the juice has evaporated and the apples become soft.

Once the apples are sautéed, add the cinnamon, vanilla sugar, regular sugar, rum essence, and semolina. Mix well and let the filling cool slightly. The semolina will help absorb the liquid and add a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured work surface, ensuring you get a uniformly thick sheet. Place the sheet in a greased rectangular baking dish with a little Delma margarine.

Add the apple filling evenly, then roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top of the filling. If you have leftover dough, you can use it to create a decorative lattice on top of the pie.

Step 4: Baking and finishing

For a glossy finish, you can brush the pie with a beaten egg before placing it in the oven. Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and fluffy. Once done, let it cool in the pan, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Practical tips

- Types of apples: Choose sweet and sour apples for a pleasant contrast of flavors. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples are excellent options.
- Varied filling: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and a unique taste.
- Serving: This apple pie is delicious warm, but you can also enjoy it cold, alongside a scoop of ice cream or a vanilla sauce. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Storage: The pie keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature but can be refrigerated to prolong its freshness.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, contributing to immune system health and improving digestion. Additionally, this pie contains healthy fats from lard or margarine and protein from eggs.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or plums, but be sure to adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. What can I use instead of lard? If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use Delma margarine as an alternative.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pie? Yes, the pie can be frozen, but we recommend portioning it before freezing to make thawing easier.

Personal note

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my daughter, Nicoleta, as we prepared this pie. It is a recipe that brings the family together around the table and reminds us of our culinary traditions. Each slice serves not only as a dessert but also as a connection between generations.

In conclusion, this apple pie is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a family celebration or a simple afternoon when you want to treat yourself. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your taste, and don't forget to enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: INGREDIENTS: 500 g flour, 100 g sugar, 4 generous tablespoons of lard, 3 eggs, 3 generous tablespoons of sour cream, 1/2 packet of baking powder dissolved in a little lemon juice. FILLING: 1.5-2 kg apples, 1 tablespoon Delma margarine, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 essence of rum, 2 tablespoons semolina.