Apple pie

Apple Cake - A Delicacy at Home

Who doesn't love the warm and comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple cake? This apple cake recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to any day, regardless of the season. Sweet and juicy apples perfectly combine with the crumbly dough to create a dessert that will win everyone's hearts.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough (for a 35/25 cm tray):
- 400 g sifted flour, mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 200 g lard (can be replaced with margarine or butter, but lard will give a more crumbly texture)
- Sour cream, as needed to achieve a soft dough (about 100-150 g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

For the filling:
- 2.5-3 kg of apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples for a more pronounced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of honey (if you want a more natural sweetness)
- 5 tablespoons of semolina (to absorb the apple juice and improve texture)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, then add the baking powder and baking soda. These ingredients will help achieve a fluffy and light dough. Add the lard at room temperature and the sugar, then start kneading the ingredients with your fingers until you get a texture similar to breadcrumbs. This step is essential for obtaining a crumbly dough that will melt in your mouth.

2. Adding the sour cream
Gradually add the sour cream, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous. Do not knead too much, or the cake will become dense. When the dough is ready, divide it into two equal parts. It is helpful to form slightly flat balls for easier rolling later.

3. Rolling out the dough
On a generously floured work surface, roll out the first part of the dough. If it tears during the process, don't worry! You can fix it with your fingers once you've moved it to the lined baking tray. The tray should be prepared in advance to avoid sticking.

4. Preparing the filling
Peel the apples and grate them on a large grater. After grating, gently squeeze them to remove excess juice, then add them to a bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon, honey, and semolina over the apples and mix gently by hand until everything is evenly combined. The semolina will absorb the apple juice, giving the filling a pleasant texture.

5. Assembling the cake
Spread the apple filling over the dough in the tray. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough, covering the filling. Don't forget to poke the cake with a fork or sprinkle a few beans on top to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Baking
Place the cake in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about an hour, or until it turns golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be irresistible!

7. Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool slightly in the tray, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once it has cooled completely, dust a generous layer of powdered sugar on top for a special presentation. This step will add a pleasant contrast of textures.

Final notes and tips

- Variations: You can experiment with the filling by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a few slices of banana for a different taste. Another idea would be to replace some of the apples with pears or peaches for a fresh combination.
- Serving: This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of sweet cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement the dessert.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of apple cake contains approximately 350 calories and is rich in fiber due to the apples. Apples are renowned for their antioxidant properties and contribute to digestive health.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, tart apples add an interesting note, while sweet ones will provide a fluffier cake.
- How can I keep the cake fresh longer? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.

This apple cake recipe is not just a simple dessert, but also a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy every step of this creative process! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the dough (35/25 cm tray): 400 g sifted flour mixed with a teaspoon of baking powder and one of baking soda, 200 g lard (you can also use margarine or butter, but you won't achieve a crumbly dough), sour cream as needed for the dough, two tablespoons of sugar. Ingredients for the filling: 2.5-3 kg of apples, two tablespoons of cinnamon, three tablespoons of honey, five tablespoons of semolina.