Apple pie
The Childhood Apple Cake
In a busy world, sometimes we long to return to simple moments, to flavors that remind us of childhood. The apple cake I will share with you today is exactly that kind of recipe. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that takes us back to the days spent in mom's kitchen, where the aroma of baked apples invited us to gather around the table. This cake is not just a dessert; it is a journey back in time, offering moments of joy and nostalgia.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Ingredients
For the cake base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- a pinch of salt
For the apples:
- 9 medium apples (the amount may vary depending on the size of the baking dish)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g of butter
- cherries (to fill the cores; alternatively, you can use jam or ground nuts)
For decoration:
- 150 ml of liquid cream
- 150 g of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
- chocolate flakes for decoration
Preparation
1. Preparing the apples: Start by thoroughly washing the apples. Cleaning them is essential to remove any impurities. After cleaning, remove the cores, being careful not to damage the apples. Line a round baking dish with a diameter of 24 cm with baking paper. If you have a non-stick pan, it is ideal to use it, as it will facilitate the cake's removal. Place the apples in the dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking. In the core holes, add a few cherries or a teaspoon of jam, then sprinkle the vanilla sugar over the apples. On top of each apple, add a small piece of butter.
2. Baking the apples: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature). Place the dish with the apples in the oven for about 15 minutes. The apples will start to soften and release their delicious aromas.
3. Preparing the cake base: In the meantime, let's make the base. Separate the eggs into two bowls, being careful not to contaminate the egg whites with yolks. Mixing the yolks with the sugar until they become a whitish mixture is essential for obtaining a fluffy base. Add the oil, mixing continuously. Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Finally, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, in a gentle motion to keep the air in the mixture.
4. Finalizing the cake: After 15 minutes of baking the apples, remove the dish from the oven and pour the batter over the apples, leveling the surface well. Return the dish to the oven and let the cake bake for 30-35 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. Cooling the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the dish. Then, carefully invert it onto a platter. It is recommended to leave the cake in the pan for another 20 minutes to prevent the apples from falling apart while still warm. Then, let the cake cool completely.
6. Decorating the cake: In a cold bowl, whip the liquid cream until fluffy. Add the cold sour cream and powdered sugar, continuing to whip until you achieve a thick foam. Cover the cake with cream, decorating the edges with a little cream and sprinkling chocolate flakes on top. Let the cake chill for 2-3 hours for the cream to set.
7. Serving: After the chilling time has passed, take the cake out of the fridge, cut it into slices, and serve it alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. It is a dessert that pairs perfectly with moments of relaxation.
Useful tips
- Choosing the apples: Choose sweet-tart apples, such as Granny Smith or yellow apples. These will give the cake a delicious flavor and perfect texture.
- Fruit variation: If you want to experiment, you can also add other fruits like pears or plums instead of apples to diversify the cake's flavor.
- Serving beverages: The apple cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of green tea, which will add a pleasant contrast to the flavors.
Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of apple cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion served. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, having important benefits for heart health and digestion. Therefore, this dessert is not just a treat, but also a healthy choice that can be enjoyed with pleasure.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste will change slightly.
- How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended not to add the cream before freezing. Once defrosted, add fresh cream.
This apple cake recipe is not just a simple dessert; it is a window to cherished memories, a way to indulge yourself and enjoy moments spent with loved ones. So, don't hesitate to try it! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the base: 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of oil, 6 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, a pinch of salt. For the apples: 9 suitable apples (more or less, depending on the tray you use), 1 sachet of vanilla sugar, 50g of butter, sour cherries to put in the hole (or you can use jam mixed with nuts or whatever you like). Additionally: 150ml of liquid cream, 150g of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, chocolate flakes for decoration.
