This Classic Apple Sponge Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines soft, fluffy cake with sweet, tender apples. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dessert with coffee, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of apples in a delicate sponge cake, complemented by a hint of vanilla and optional cinnamon. This cake is not only simple to make but also bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes, making it a delightful choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Apple Sponge Cake:
- Apples – 1 kg (2.2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- Butter – 250 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons), softened to room temperature
- Powdered sugar – 250 g (2 cups)
- Eggs – 5
- Vanilla sugar – 1 tablespoon
- All-purpose flour – 350 g (2 ¾ cups)
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Powdered sugar – for sprinkling (optional)
- Cinnamon – for sprinkling (optional)
Baking Pan
- Pan dimensions: 29 cm x 33 cm (approx. 11.5 x 13 inches)
Baking
- Temperature: 180°C fan oven (350°F)
- Time: 30 minutes
How to Make Classic Apple Sponge Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Set them aside in a bowl while you prepare the cake batter.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth and airy batter.
- Add the vanilla sugar, mixing it in thoroughly to infuse the batter with a delicate vanilla flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of the baking powder for a consistent rise.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense rather than fluffy.
- Combine Apples with Batter
- Gently fold in the sliced apples to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The apples add moisture and flavor to the cake, creating a delightful texture as they bake.
- Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease the baking pan with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan on.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and a hint of cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of extra cinnamon.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx. based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
(Note: Nutrition values are approximations and may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. However, the texture may vary slightly. Whole wheat flour can also be used, though it will create a denser cake.
Q2: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about 25% if you prefer a less sweet cake. Alternatively, using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of powdered sugar can work, but you may need to adjust the consistency of the batter.
Q3: What type of apples work best for this cake?
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples are also excellent for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Sponge Cake
- Choose the Right Apples
- Using a variety of apples with different sweetness levels can add depth to the flavor of the cake. Tart apples balance the sweetness of the cake batter, while sweeter apples provide a pleasant contrast.
- Room Temperature Ingredients
- For best results, make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This ensures the batter mixes evenly and results in a smoother, fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix
- When folding in the flour and apples, mix gently to avoid deflating the batter. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
- Baking Test
- Always test the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Optional Toppings
- Add a sprinkling of cinnamon on top before baking for extra warmth and aroma. Alternatively, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans make a delicious addition to the batter for added texture.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve added a powdered sugar topping, note that it may absorb moisture and lose its appearance over time.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, cover and refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave before serving to bring back its soft, fluffy texture.
Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Classic Apple Sponge Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of homemade comfort food. The sweetness of apples, combined with the light and fluffy sponge, creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s simple enough to make on a weekday but impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Baking this cake not only fills your home with a wonderful aroma but also creates a delicious treat that everyone will love. Enjoy this timeless recipe, and feel free to personalize it with your favorite spices or add-ins to make it uniquely yours!