Apple pie

Apple cake is a classic dessert that brings joy and comfort in every bite. Its sweet and sour aroma, combined with the fluffy texture of the dough, transforms any meal into a celebration of flavors. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to family festivities. Let's embark together on the adventure of making a delicious apple cake that will surely become a favorite for everyone!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg of apples (about 4-5 large apples)
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 g)
- 100 g of sugar for the apples
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- 3 large eggs
- 100 ml of vegetable oil
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (10 g)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Flour (about 20 tablespoons, depending on the desired consistency)
- 3-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (optional, to absorb moisture)

Necessary utensils

- Grater
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray (about 20x30 cm)
- Spatula
- Mixer (optional)

Preparing the apple cake

1. Preparing the apples
Start by washing the apples well. If you prefer a finer texture, you can peel them, but I recommend leaving the skin on as it adds color and extra nutrients. Grate the apples or cut them into cubes, depending on your preference.
*Helpful tips*: Choose sweet and sour apples for a balanced taste. Apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are excellent choices.

2. Sautéing the apples
In a pan, add the grated apples and 100 g of sugar. Add cinnamon to taste (about a teaspoon is ideal to bring out its distinct aroma). Sauté the apples over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft.
*Tip*: If you want an extra flavor, you can add a drop of rum or vanilla essence.

3. Cooling the apples
Once the apples are sautéed, remove them from the heat and let them cool. This step is important because the apple mixture should not be hot when added to the dough.

4. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup of sugar (200 g) until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Add the oil and milk, mixing well.
*Trick*: Use a mixer for a fluffier composition, but you can also mix manually with a spatula if you prefer.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Add the baking powder, vanilla sugar, and flour. Gradually mix until you obtain a thicker consistency than sour cream. You may not need all the flour, so add it tablespoon by tablespoon, mixing until you reach the desired consistency.
*Variation*: You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

6. Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease the baking tray with oil and sprinkle with flour or use baking paper. Pour 3/4 of the dough mixture into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly.
Then, add the sautéed apples, distributing them evenly. Finally, pour the remaining dough over the apples.
*Personal suggestion*: If desired, you can also add some chopped nuts or raisins to enrich the texture and flavor.

7. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until it becomes golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
*Baking test*: At the end, you can let it cool for a few minutes in the tray before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.

8. Serving
Once the cake has cooled, you can cut it into squares and serve it plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream.
*Personal story*: This is the cake my grandmother always made every autumn, and the aroma of the sautéed apples reminds me of evenings spent around the table with family.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of diabetes. Additionally, the cake contains eggs, which provide protein, and oil, which brings healthy fats to the diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or berries. Each fruit brings a unique flavor to the cake.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Delicious pairings

This apple cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant tea or a glass of warm milk. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can wonderfully complement the dessert, adding a touch of indulgence.

In conclusion, apple cake is a dessert that not only combines wonderful flavors but also creates pleasant memories. I encourage you to try this simple yet delicious recipe and personalize it to your taste. Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 1kg of apples - 1 cup of sugar + 100g for the apples - 1 cup of milk - 3 eggs - 100ml oil - 1 packet of baking powder - 1 packet of vanilla sugar - cinnamon - flour (approximately 20 heaping tablespoons) - 3-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs for the sautéed apples (optional)