There’s nothing quite like a homemade apple cake to warm your heart and home. This delightful treat, inspired by Grandma’s time-honored recipe, combines the sweetness of tender apples with a rich, buttery batter. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon tea, this apple cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cake batter, you will need:
- 4.4 oz (125 g) soft butter
- 6.2 oz (175 g) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 4 medium eggs
- 7.8 oz (220 g) all-purpose flour (Type 405)
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1.4 oz (40 g) cornstarch
- 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) milk
- A little butter for greasing the pan
- A little flour for dusting the pan
- 1.9 lbs (850 g) apples (about 5 apples)
- 2 tsp (10 g) powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) conventional or 320°F (160°C) fan-assisted. Grease a 10-inch (26 cm) springform pan with butter and dust it with a little flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter, 2/3 of the sugar, and a pinch of salt until fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Separate the eggs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add the egg yolks one by one to the butter mixture, mixing creamily after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the batter. Carefully stir in the milk until just combined. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites until no streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Wash, dry, peel, and quarter the apples, removing the cores. Make shallow cuts on the outer sides of the apple quarters.
- Gently press the apples, cut side down, into the batter in a decorative arrangement. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Once baked, let the cake cool before removing it from the springform pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. This recipe yields approximately 12 generous pieces. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (approx.)
- Servings: 12
- Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 10 g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Egg Separation: For the best volume in your egg whites, ensure there is no yolk mixed in, and use a clean, dry bowl for beating.
- Prevent Sticking: To help prevent the apples from sinking, coat them lightly in flour before placing them in the batter. This will give them a better grip and help them stay on top.
Possible Variations
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist on the classic apple cake.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor, enhancing the richness of the cake.
With this recipe, you can indulge in a delectable classic that embodies the warmth and love of home baking. Enjoy your baking adventure!