Ingredients

For Caramelizing the Apples:

• 50g butter
• 20ml sunflower oil
• 50g white sugar (for caramelizing the apples)
• 3 “Golden” apples, peeled and sliced

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 medium eggs
• 75g white sugar
• 60ml milk
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 120g wheat flour
• 6g baking powder (or chemical yeast)
• Ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Apples

1. Peel and Slice the Apples: Start by peeling the apples, then slicing them into even-sized pieces. Golden apples work best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked.
2. Caramelize the Apples:
   • Heat 50g of butter and 20ml of sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Once the butter is melted, add 50g of white sugar to the pan and stir until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize, turning golden brown.
   • Add the apple slices to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated in the caramel and become soft.
   • Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 medium eggs and 75g of white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, giving the cake a soft, airy texture.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add 60ml of milk and 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together 120g of wheat flour and 6g of baking powder.
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. Optional Cinnamon:
   • If you like a hint of spice, add a pinch or two of ground cinnamon to the batter to enhance the flavor of the apples.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Apples in the Cake Pan:
   • Arrange the caramelized apple slices in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Make sure they are spread evenly to create a uniform layer of apples when the cake is turned out.
2. Pour the Batter Over the Apples:
   • Carefully pour the cake batter over the caramelized apples, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Turn the Cake Out: Carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate so the caramelized apples are on top, creating a beautiful and glossy apple topping.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, dust the top with some powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your warm, caramelized apple cake!

Cooking Tips

• Choosing the Right Apples: Golden apples work best for caramelizing due to their sweetness and texture, but you can also use other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for a slightly different flavor.
• Prevent Overcooking the Caramel: When caramelizing the sugar, keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning. You want the sugar to be golden and slightly brown, but not too dark, as this can lead to a bitter taste.
• Add Spices: If you love warm spices, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage

• At Room Temperature: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to store it for longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The apples may cause the cake to become slightly moist, but it will still be delicious.
• Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 25g

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that it may result in a denser cake, and you may need to add a little more liquid to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have Golden apples?

Golden apples are preferred because of their sweet and soft texture when cooked. However, you can substitute other sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Avoid tart apples like Granny Smith, as they might not caramelize as well.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.

4. How do I prevent my apples from sticking to the pan?

Grease the cake pan well with butter or use parchment paper at the bottom of the pan. This will help prevent the caramelized apples from sticking when you flip the cake over.

5. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes! You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the apples before adding the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Caramelized Apple Cake is a perfect dessert for those who love the comforting flavors of apples and caramel. The cake is easy to make, and the caramelized apple topping adds an elegant touch, making it a great choice for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The combination of soft, spiced apples and fluffy cake is irresistible, and it pairs wonderfully with a warm drink or a scoop of ice cream. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a new go-to dessert for any occasion!