Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 5 medium apples (670g, approx. 3 cups, sliced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (40g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cake Batter:

• 5 tablespoons butter (100g, softened)
• Pinch of salt
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (100g)
• 8g vanilla sugar (approx. 1 1/2 teaspoons)
• 2 medium eggs (each 63g)
• 4g baking powder (approx. 1 teaspoon)
• 400g all-purpose flour (approx. 3 1/4 cups)
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. The number of slices will depend on the size of the apples, but you want to end up with about 3 cups of sliced apples.
   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the cake batter, allowing the flavors to meld together and the apples to release some of their juice.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes, so be patient—it will ensure a light, airy texture in your cake.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next one.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
   • Once the batter is smooth and well-combined, it’s time to layer it with the apples.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
   • Spoon half of the apple filling over the batter, spreading the apples evenly across the surface.
   • Add the remaining cake batter on top of the apples, smoothing it out carefully. Don’t worry if some apples peek through the batter—that’s part of the charm.
   • Finally, add the rest of the apples on top of the cake batter, gently pressing them into the batter. This will create the signature apple layer that makes this cake so irresistible.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Brush the top of the cake with the egg yolk for a glossy, golden finish. This step is optional, but it adds a beautiful shine to the cake.
   • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender.
   • Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve slices of the cake as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
   • This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack or a comforting dessert to end a meal.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cooking Time:
45-55 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
8-10 servings

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugars: 25g
• Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg

(Note: Nutritional information is an approximation and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless:
Apple cake has long been a beloved dessert because of its comforting combination of flavors. The balance of tart apples with the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar is a flavor profile that has endured for generations. This specific recipe is timeless because it takes traditional ingredients—apples, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—and transforms them into a cake that is both satisfying and simple.

The technique of layering the apple filling within the cake batter ensures that each bite delivers the perfect amount of apple and cake, and the cake’s fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender apples. This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a cake that tastes like it took much more effort than it did. Additionally, the ability to customize the cake with different types of apples or by adding nuts, raisins, or other spices ensures that it can be adapted to suit different tastes, making it suitable for any occasion.

Whether served at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or as a simple weekday treat, this apple cake will evoke feelings of nostalgia. The soft, warm cake and caramelized apples are reminiscent of home-baked goods made by grandmothers, making it a perfect dessert to share with loved ones. Moreover, the cake is easy to make, with minimal preparation, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It’s the kind of dessert that everyone can enjoy and remember fondly.

FAQ:

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
   Yes! You can use any variety of apple you like, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work particularly well because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The flavors tend to develop even further, making it even more delicious the next day.
3. Can I freeze this apple cake?
   Yes, you can freeze this cake! After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.
4. Can I add other fruits to this cake?
   Yes, you can add other fruits, such as pears or berries, to the apple filling for a twist on the traditional recipe. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spice amounts accordingly.

Tips for Making Perfect Apple Cake:

1. Don’t skip the lemon juice:
   The lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the apples and adds a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor of the cake. It also helps prevent the apples from browning.
2. Use room temperature ingredients:
   Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help create a smoother, more cohesive batter and result in a lighter cake.
3. Test for doneness:
   Since oven temperatures can vary, it’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
4. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar:
   For a pretty finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and gives the cake a polished look.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature:
  Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration:
  If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing:
  For longer storage, freeze the cake after it’s fully cooled. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:
Apple cake is a classic dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and the comforting flavors of fall into every bite. Its combination of tender cake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a soft texture is simple yet delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow instructions and ingredients you likely already have on hand, this apple cake recipe is an excellent addition to your baking repertoire. The sweetness of the apples and the richness of the cake are the perfect match, and with its versatility and timeless appeal, this dessert will surely be a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy every bite of this delicious homemade treat!