Apple pie
Delicious cake with caramelized apples
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10
Welcome to the wonderful world of cakes! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for caramelized apple cake, a delicacy that combines the sweet aroma of apples with a fluffy and moist base. This cake is not only a perfect choice for a weekend dessert but also a fantastic way to use seasonal apples.
History of the apple cake
Apple cake is a classic dessert that has traversed generations, enjoying popularity in numerous cultures. It is a versatile recipe, adaptable to different types of apples and flavors. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but each recipe has its own story, the key being fresh and caramelized apples that add a touch of magic.
Necessary ingredients
- 7-8 apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Gala, for a more intense flavor)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (I recommend 9 tablespoons for richer caramelization)
- 100 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste; I used 4 tablespoons)
- 6 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 6 tablespoons of flour
Steps for preparation
1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). It is important to have the oven well heated to achieve an evenly baked cake.
2. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples with cold water, peel them, cut them in half and remove the seeds. You can leave the apples whole or cut them into quarters, depending on your preferences.
3. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, add the 6 tablespoons of sugar and place it over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. When the sugar turns golden and liquid, remove the saucepan from the heat and gently swirl it to coat the sides with caramel. This will give the cake a crunchy texture and a divine taste.
4. Adding the apples: Carefully place the apples in the saucepan, with the hollow side up (or down if you want to experiment, as I saw in Postavaru). Make sure the apples are arranged evenly for even baking.
5. Preparing the batter: In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Mix the yolks with the 200 g of sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the flour mixed with baking powder and mix well.
6. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is the key to a fluffy base. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.
7. Pouring the batter: Remove the saucepan from the oven and pour the batter over the caramelized apples. Spread the batter evenly to cover all the apples.
8. Baking: Place the saucepan back in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).
9. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it onto a platter. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature. A delicious option is to serve it with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream.
Useful tips
- You can experiment with different types of apples, but make sure they are sweet to achieve a pleasant contrast with the caramel.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture.
- This recipe can also be adapted to be vegan, using substitutes for eggs and margarine.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well at room temperature, covered, for 2-3 days, or you can freeze it for a longer period.
3. What drinks pair well with the cake? A cup of black tea or freshly squeezed lemonade with mint would be the perfect choice!
Nutritional benefits
This apple cake is not only delicious but also beneficial due to the apple content, which is rich in fiber and vitamins. Apples help maintain digestive health and provide important antioxidants. Additionally, using caramelized sugar adds extra flavor, but it is advisable to consume the cake in moderation, considering the sugar content.
In conclusion, this caramelized apple cake is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to try it and share the joy of cooking! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 7-8 apples (as many as needed to completely cover the baking tray) 6 tablespoons of sugar for caramel (I used 9) 100g Rama margarine (I used 4 teaspoons) 6 eggs 200g sugar 1 packet of vanilla sugar 1 pinch of baking powder 6 tablespoons of flour
