Apple pie
Apple Cake – A Classic Delight with a Homey Aroma
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10
When we think of apple cake, fond childhood memories come to mind, as the inviting scent of baked apples and cinnamon filled the air in the kitchen. This classic apple cake recipe is not only a perfect choice for dessert but also a great way to bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, the apple cake will surely please everyone!
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 550-600 g flour (choose a good quality flour for a perfect dough)
- 125 g butter (at room temperature, soft but not melted)
- 125 ml sunflower oil (this will add extra tenderness)
- 250 ml yogurt (use plain yogurt, not flavored)
- 3 tablespoons honey (preferably acacia, for a delicate taste)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sweetness)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder (to help the dough rise)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (for a wonderful aroma)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
For the filling:
- 700 g peeled apples (sour apples like Granny Smith are recommended)
- 100 g chopped nuts (for added texture and flavor)
- 50 g raisins (for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (aromatic and warm)
- 200-250 g brown sugar (or regular, depending on preferences)
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (applied at the end for a nice shine)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (optional, recommended if the apples are juicy)
Step-by-step guide
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by bringing all the dough ingredients to room temperature. This is an essential step as the ingredients will combine more easily. In a large bowl, add the soft butter, oil, powdered sugar, honey, yogurt, vanilla essence, and salt. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
2. Incorporating the flour:
Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Continue to knead by hand until the dough becomes soft and non-sticky. If you feel it sticking, add a little more flour. Then, let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes.
3. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, peel and grate the apples. Mix them in a bowl with the chopped nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar. If the apples are very juicy, add two tablespoons of semolina to absorb the excess liquid.
4. Rolling out the dough:
Sprinkle flour on the work surface and knead the dough a little. Divide it into two equal parts. From the first half, roll out a sheet of dough large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 28 cm diameter baking pan. Place the sheet in the prepared pan, which you have greased with butter and lined with baking paper.
5. Assembling the cake:
Spread the apple mixture over the dough sheet. If you added semolina, it will not be necessary to drain the liquid. From the second half of the dough, form strips that you will place over the filling in a lattice pattern. This will allow steam to escape and give your cake an attractive appearance.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Ten minutes before the baking is finished, take the pan out of the oven and brush the cake with the remaining honey, giving it a shiny appearance and a delicious taste.
7. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is beautifully browned, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, you can portion it. If you wish, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top, but it's optional, as the cake looks attractive even without it.
Useful tips
- Choose apples carefully: Sour apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are the best for this recipe, as they maintain a good texture during baking and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- Filling varieties: You can experiment by adding other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it's recommended to portion it before freezing.
Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, while the yogurt in the dough contributes probiotics that aid digestion.
This apple cake not only offers a delicious taste but also a pleasant cooking experience that will make you feel like a true chef. So, gather your ingredients, put on a smile, and enjoy every step of making this classic dessert! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough: -550-600 g flour -125 g butter -125 ml sunflower oil -250 ml yogurt -3 tablespoons honey -3 tablespoons powdered sugar -4 teaspoons baking powder -2 teaspoons vanilla -1 pinch of salt Filling: -700 g peeled apples -100 g chopped walnuts -50 g raisins -2 tablespoons ground cinnamon -200-250 g brown or regular sugar (I used 250 g for extra sweetness) -2-3 tablespoons honey (the honey is spread over the entire surface of the cake, 10 minutes before it browns). -2 tablespoons semolina (optional)
