Apple Pie
Apple Cake: A Delicious Story in Every Slice
An apple cake is not just a simple dessert; it is a combination of nostalgia and joy, a recipe that brings back memories of family moments, the aroma of baked apples filling the house, and the smiles of loved ones. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing this tempting cake, which combines a fluffy base with apple cream and cream cheese, resulting in a refined and tasty dessert.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 10
Necessary ingredients:
For the base:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs
- 125 g flour
- 40 g starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped nuts
- 50 g grated dark chocolate
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
For the apple cream:
- 350 g mashed apples (you can use sweet or tart apples, depending on your preference)
- 2 teaspoons starch
- 3 teaspoons water
For the cream cheese:
- 400 g cream cheese (or mascarpone)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 packets of gelatin granules
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For decoration:
- 1 tablespoon apple jam
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts
- cocoa powder
The history of the apple cake is an old one, being a beloved dessert in various cultures. Apples, a common yet versatile ingredient, have been used over time to create delights that entice the senses. This cake is a modern reinterpretation of this classic, bringing together textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.
Preparation of the cake:
1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This is an essential step to ensure even baking of the base.
In a bowl, beat the butter with 100 g of sugar until it becomes a fluffy foam. It’s time to add the 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This process helps incorporate air, making the base light and fluffy.
Add the pinch of salt, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar, mixing to combine the flavors.
In another bowl, combine the flour, starch, and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients over the butter and egg mixture, mixing with a spatula until smooth. Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and grated dark chocolate.
Pour the mixture into a greased and lined cake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the base cool completely before removing it from the pan.
2. Preparing the apple cream:
In a small saucepan, dissolve the starch in the 3 teaspoons of water. Add the mashed apples and place the mixture over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Preparing the cream cheese:
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Dissolve the gelatin according to the package instructions and add it to the cheese mixture. Finally, fold in the whipped cream, mixing gently to preserve the air in the cream.
4. Assembling the cake:
In a springform pan, place a layer of plastic wrap. Place the cooled base, followed by the apple cream, and top with the cream cheese. Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours to set well.
5. Decorating the cake:
Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Spread the edge of the base with apple jam and coat it with chopped nuts. Cut strips of parchment paper about 1 cm wide and place them in a lattice pattern on the cake. Dust the gaps with cocoa or grated chocolate, then carefully remove the strips of paper. Use the reserved cream to decorate the cake, adding apple slices for an attractive look.
Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start cooking. This will help achieve a better texture for the base.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of rum or lemon essence to the cream cheese.
- The apple cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra treat.
- Instead of nuts, you can use almonds or hazelnuts to vary the texture and flavors.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned apples for the apple cream?
- While you can use canned apples, we recommend using fresh apples for superior texture and flavor.
2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator, and if you want to serve it later, you can freeze it, making sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
3. What is the best way to cut the cake?
- Use a knife dipped in warm water to cut the cake, achieving clean and beautiful slices.
This apple cake is an excellent choice not only for special occasions but also to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones any day. Enjoy every slice and let yourself be carried away by the sweet memories it creates!
Ingredients: Base: 100g butter 100g sugar 2 packets of vanilla sugar 3 eggs 125g flour 40g starch 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon finely chopped nuts 50g finely grated dark chocolate a pinch of salt 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest Cream of apples: 350g mashed apples 2 teaspoons starch 3 teaspoons water Cream cheese: 400g cream cheese (or mascarpone) 3 tablespoons sugar 1 packet of vanilla sugar 2 packets of gelatin granules 250ml liquid cream 2 tablespoons sugar For decoration: 1 tablespoon apple jam 1 tablespoon chopped nuts cocoa powder
