Ingredients:

• Apples: 4, sliced
• Butter: For greasing the baking form
• Eggs: 2 large
• Sugar: 100g (½ cup)
• Milk: 100ml (½ cup), room temperature
• Wheat Flour: 200g (1⅔ cups)
• Baking Powder: 10g (2 tsp)
• Vanilla Extract: A splash (or use vanillin for aroma)

Making It Step by Step:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Form

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While waiting, grease your baking form (round or square) with butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. You can also line it with parchment paper if preferred.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Slice the Apples: Wash and peel the apples, then cut them into thin slices. Set them aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

1. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and frothy. This step helps incorporate air, making the cake light and fluffy.
2. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the room-temperature milk and continue whisking until well combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid lumps. Mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Add Vanilla: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter and mix it in. This will give the cake a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the greased baking form, spreading it out evenly.
2. Layer with Apples: Place half of the sliced apples on top of the batter, then pour the remaining batter over the apples, ensuring they are covered. Arrange the rest of the apple slices decoratively on top.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 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.
2. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the form for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Warm or Cold: This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. It pairs well with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Tips:

• Apple Variety: For this recipe, you can use any variety of apples, but Granny Smith apples work particularly well because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the milk is at room temperature when adding it to the batter. Cold milk can cause the butter to solidify, which might affect the texture of the cake.
• Vanilla Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
• Extra Moistness: If you want an even moister cake, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted butter to the batter.

Storage:

• At Room Temperature: Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: You can also store it in the refrigerator, which will extend its shelf life to 4-5 days. To serve, warm up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the cake as if it were freshly baked.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the slices at room temperature and warm them in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the cake might be denser. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
   • You can substitute baking soda, but use less (about ½ teaspoon) and add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.
3. Can I add cinnamon or other spices to this recipe?
   • Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg will add a warm, spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
4. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use plant-based butter for greasing.
5. What if I want to make a larger cake?
   • You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion: This Easy Apple Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick recipe to use up extra apples or want to make a homemade treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, this cake delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation. Its light, fluffy texture and sweet apple taste are sure to win over anyone who tries it. Plus, with its minimal ingredients and short prep time, it’s an ideal choice for those moments when you need a sweet treat but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious apple cake on its own, or serve it with a side of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience!