This delightful Lemon Apple Cake combines the refreshing tang of fresh lemons with the natural sweetness of tender apples, creating a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a homemade treat, this simple yet elegant cake delivers exceptional taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Apple Cake
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. The combination of tart lemon zest and juice with sweet, tender apple slices creates a harmonious balance of flavors that appeals to all palates. The cake’s moist texture comes from the fresh fruit and butter, while the apricot jam glaze adds a beautiful glossy finish and extra layer of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 pinch of sea salt (1/8 teaspoon)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (50g / 1.8 oz)
- Grated zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons / 45ml)
- 50 grams unsalted butter (3.5 tablespoons / 1.8 oz), melted
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (35g / 1.2 oz)
- 1 packet baking powder (2 teaspoons / 8g)
- 4 medium apples (approximately 600g / 1.3 lbs), preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 3-4 tablespoons apricot jam for glazing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4). Line a 20cm (8-inch) round baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Create the Base Batter
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the pinch of salt. Using an electric whisk or hand whisk, beat the eggs vigorously for 2-3 minutes until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk, beating for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale yellow and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add Flavor Elements
Grate the lemon zest directly into the egg mixture, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the melted butter that has cooled slightly. Whisk gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually fold them into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which could result in a tough cake.
Step 5: Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores using an apple corer or sharp knife. Slice the apples into thin strips, approximately 3mm thick. Immediately toss the apple slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent oxidation and browning.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the prepared apple slices into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, transfer to a serving plate. Warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the entire surface of the cake for a beautiful glossy finish.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 8 portions
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Flour Alternatives
Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, though you may need to increase the quantity slightly to maintain structure. Whole wheat flour can be substituted for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Sugar Substitutions
Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar, though reduce the liquid content slightly. For a lower-calorie option, use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol, adjusting quantities according to package instructions.
Apple Varieties
While Granny Smith apples provide excellent tartness, Honeycrisp offers more sweetness, and Braeburn adds complexity. Mixing different varieties creates interesting flavor layers.
Additional Flavors
Enhance the cake with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, or cardamom. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add sophisticated notes for more adventurous bakers.
Glaze Alternatives
Instead of apricot jam, try orange marmalade, honey mixed with lemon juice, or a simple powdered sugar glaze made with lemon juice and confectioner’s sugar.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store the finished cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. The cake actually improves after a day as the flavors meld together. Serve at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy it on its own with coffee or tea.
For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or garnish with fresh lemon zest and thin apple slices for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this Lemon Apple Cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Bake it up to 2 days in advance and store covered at room temperature. Apply the apricot glaze just before serving for the best appearance.
What if I don’t have apricot jam? You can substitute apricot jam with orange marmalade, peach preserves, or even honey mixed with a little lemon juice. The glaze is optional but adds a professional finish and extra sweetness to complement the tart apples.
Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Why did my cake turn out dense? Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter after adding flour, which develops too much gluten. Fold the flour in gently just until combined. Also ensure your baking powder is fresh and your oven temperature is accurate.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use a larger pan or make two separate cakes. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. The larger cake may need longer cooling time before removing from the pan.
This Lemon Apple Cake represents the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, suitable for everything from casual family dinners to special celebrations.