This Apple Cake with Cocoa and Lemon Zest is a delightful blend of tender caramelized apples, rich cocoa, and a hint of fresh lemon zest. The cake is moist and flavorful, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress. Its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any baking enthusiast.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp sugar (for caramelizing apples)
- 25g (1.8 tbsp) butter (for caramelizing apples)
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 180g (1 cup) sugar
- 10g (2 teaspoons) vanilla sugar
- 70g (5 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 110g (5 tablespoons) yogurt
- 200ml (1 glass) milk
- 300g (2 cups) flour
- 10g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar, for decoration
Directions
- Prepare the Apples:
- In a pan, melt 25g of butter and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook the apple slices over medium heat until they soften and caramelize. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Gradually add 180g of sugar and 10g of vanilla sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Add the melted butter, yogurt, and milk, and mix until combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Arrange the caramelized apple slices over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate:
- Once the cake is cool, dust with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Cooking Tips
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar for caramelizing the apples.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter.
- Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to prevent lumps in the batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion.
- Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for gut health.
- Cocoa provides antioxidants that may support heart health and improve mood.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with gluten-free flour.
- Contains dairy and eggs, not suitable for vegan diets without modifications.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 10 servings)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days if you want to extend its freshness.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this cake perfect for any skill level.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat.
- Deliciously balanced flavors: The sweetness of the apples, the richness of cocoa, and the zing of lemon zest create a delightful harmony.
- Nutritious: Packed with wholesome ingredients like apples and yogurt, this cake offers more than just a sweet treat.
Conclusion
This Apple Cake with Cocoa and Lemon Zest is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its moist texture, combined with the sweet and tangy notes of caramelized apples and lemon zest, makes it a treat you’ll crave time and time again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy a comforting homemade dessert, this cake is a wonderful choice. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of apple?
- Yes, feel free to use any variety of apples you prefer, such as Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- Can I substitute the yogurt?
- Yes, you can use sour cream or a plant-based yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.
- How do I make this cake gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio.
- Can I omit the cocoa powder?
- Yes, if you prefer a plain apple cake, you can omit the cocoa powder.
- What can I use instead of vanilla sugar?
- You can use regular sugar with a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla paste.
- How can I make this recipe vegan?
- Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use a dairy-free yogurt, and replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe?
- Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition for extra texture and flavor.
- What if I don’t have lemon zest?
- You can use orange zest or skip it entirely, but it adds a lovely freshness to the cake.
- How can I make this cake lower in sugar?
- Reduce the sugar in the batter by 25-50%, and consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.