The Perfect Dessert Recipe
This Simple Apple Cake with Vanilla is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet taste of apples with the warm, comforting essence of vanilla. This recipe is perfect for home bakers looking for a quick and easy cake that still delivers on flavor and presentation. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this cake is ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to a cozy treat for yourself. The light and fluffy texture, along with tender apple slices, makes this cake a must-try for any dessert lover.
Preparation and Baking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delightful apple cake:
- Apples: 3, peeled and sliced
- Eggs: 3 large
- Sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Vanilla Sugar: 10 g (2 teaspoons)
- Salt: A pinch
- Flour: 160 g (1¼ cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: For decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Prepare your baking pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until they become frothy.
- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until it turns pale and thick.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Step 3: Add the Apples
Carefully fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The apples will add moisture and sweetness to every bite, giving the cake a delightful texture.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a decorative and delicious finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
This cake is perfect as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even a comforting breakfast treat.
Expert Baking Tips
- For Enhanced Flavor: Toss the apple slices in a dash of cinnamon before folding them into the batter. The warmth of cinnamon complements the sweetness of the apples and vanilla perfectly.
- Sift Your Flour and Baking Powder: Sifting ensures no lumps in your batter, making for a smoother texture in the cake.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps create a smoother batter, making it easier to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Avoid a Soggy Cake: If your apples are especially juicy, lightly pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Nutritional Benefits of Simple Apple Cake
This apple cake doesn’t just taste amazing; it also offers some health benefits:
- Apples provide dietary fiber and vitamin C, which support digestion and boost immune health.
- Eggs add a dose of protein and essential vitamins, like B12 and D, which contribute to overall wellness.
- Flour provides carbohydrates for energy, while sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Dietary Information
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Contains: Eggs and gluten (not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without modifications)
- Dairy-Free: This cake can be made dairy-free if served without additional dairy-based toppings like whipped cream.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 25 g
Storage Tips for Freshness
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Apple Cake Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe uses minimal ingredients and doesn’t require any special techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile: Enjoy this cake as a dessert, a snack, or even as a breakfast option.
- Classic Flavor Combination: The pairing of apples and vanilla is timeless and universally loved.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild sweetness and tender texture, this cake is sure to please everyone, including kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries, which work wonderfully in this recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for similar results.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If any batter sticks to the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, substituting white sugar with brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cake, enhancing its richness.
What if my cake is too dry?
Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry. Adding extra apple slices can also help keep the cake moist.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I add nuts to this cake?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give the cake a lovely crunch and enhance its texture.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Wrap slices well and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan for a larger batch.
How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting taste.