Apple and vanilla cake

Apple and vanilla cake - a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

To prepare this apple and vanilla cake, you will need the following ingredients:

- 3 large apples (preferably sweeter varieties, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150 g melted butter (plus 1 tablespoon for greasing)
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation!

1. Preparing the pan: Start by lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper is well placed and shaped to fit the pan. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly on the bottom of the pan. Then, place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes, until the sugar starts to caramelize. You will notice it turning into a golden and delicious syrup. Be careful not to burn it!

2. Preparing the apples: While the sugar is caramelizing, wash the apples, remove the cores, and slice them thinly. If you prefer, you can peel them, but the skin adds an interesting texture. Add a little lemon juice over the apples to prevent oxidation and keep the vibrant color.

3. Preparing the cake mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar (200 g) and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the melted butter and milk, mixing well to combine the ingredients. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring gently until you achieve a homogeneous composition. If you want a fresher taste, add the lemon zest.

4. Assembling the cake: Remove the pan from the oven and arrange the apple slices over the caramelized sugar, forming an even layer. Then pour the cake mixture over the apples, ensuring they are well covered.

5. Baking: Put the pan back in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes, to allow the cake to rise evenly.

6. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a serving platter. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as pears or peaches, to create delicious variations of this cake.
- If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated in the microwave to restore its fluffy texture.

Now it's time to enjoy this simple and tasty recipe! The apple and vanilla cake will surely become a family favorite.

 Ingredients: 3 apples, 5 eggs, 125 g sugar, 125 g flour (or an extra tablespoon, depending on how juicy the apples are), 100 g butter, 1 packet vanilla pudding powder, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 packet baking powder, juice from half a lemon.