This light and fluffy apple caramel cake features tender caramelized apples, a smooth yogurt-infused batter, and a touch of apricot jam for extra sweetness. Perfect for an afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
- For the Apples:
- 2 apples 🍎
- Juice of half a lemon 🍋
- 30g (1 tablespoon) butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- For the Cake Batter:
- 3 eggs 🥚🥚🥚
- 180g (3/4 cup) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
- 100ml vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream
- 8 tablespoons (280g or 2 cups) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- For the Filling and Topping:
- 50g (3 tablespoons) apricot jam
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and peel the apples. Cut them into thin slices and place them in a bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apple slices to prevent them from browning and to add a touch of tartness. Set the apples aside.
- Caramelize the Apples:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts to caramelize.
- Add the apple slices and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the 180g sugar. Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will take about 5 minutes of mixing on high speed.
- Add a pinch of salt and the vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), and mix again.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture. Then, add the yogurt or sour cream and mix until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the flour into the wet mixture to avoid lumps, and gently fold it in using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Add the baking soda and mix well.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Place the caramelized apple slices on top of the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Finish:
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan.
- Once cooled, warm the apricot jam and spread it evenly over the top of the cake.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Top with whipped cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with fresh berries for added flavor and color.
- Great for picnics or packed lunches.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the apples are sliced thinly so they caramelize quickly.
- If you prefer a denser cake, use sour cream instead of yogurt for a richer texture.
- You can swap apricot jam for other fruit jams like strawberry, raspberry, or peach.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Yogurt adds probiotics for gut health.
- A light cake option with fruit and minimal added sugars compared to traditional cakes.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Contains gluten and dairy.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The cake can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- A delicious combination of sweet caramelized apples and fluffy cake.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- A versatile recipe that can be adapted with different fruits and jams.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual to special gatherings.
Conclusion: This apple caramel cake is a delightful dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and fluffiness. The caramelized apples elevate the flavor, while the yogurt in the batter keeps it light. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for sharing with friends and family. A great addition to your baking repertoire!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples? Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or berries as a substitute for apples.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Can I use honey instead of sugar? Yes, you can replace the sugar with an equal amount of honey, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- Can I skip the jam topping? Yes, the jam topping is optional, but it adds extra sweetness and moisture.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container.
- What can I use instead of yogurt? Sour cream or buttermilk would be good alternatives to yogurt.
- How do I know when the cake is done? When a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, it’s done.
- Can I make this in a different pan size? Yes, just adjust the baking time if using a different pan size.
- Can I add nuts or other spices to the cake? Yes, adding cinnamon, walnuts, or even almonds would complement the apple flavor beautifully.