Apple Cake with Apricot Glaze – A Classic and Fruity Delight

This apple cake with apricot glaze is a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert, perfect for any occasion. The buttery cake base is delicately spiced with cinnamon and features tender apple slices baked into the batter. Finished with a glossy layer of warm apricot glaze, this cake is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The sweetness of the apples combines perfectly with the slight tartness of the apricot glaze, creating a balanced and flavorful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this apple cake for its tender crumb and the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples. The addition of a light apricot glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a touch of fruitiness that elevates the cake’s flavor. This cake is simple to prepare, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal apples and a pantry staple like apricot jam.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for an afternoon coffee break, a weekend treat, or even a dessert for family gatherings. It’s also an excellent choice for holiday meals or when you want to serve something classic yet slightly elevated. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and stored for later.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, brush the warm cake with the apricot glaze and allow it to set, creating a glossy top. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar over the glazed cake for a classic look or add a few extra apple slices as a garnish. If you’re feeling creative, a few toasted almond slices sprinkled over the glaze would add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 3 eggs (size M)
• 150g softened butter
• 150g all-purpose flour
• 170g sugar
• 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: zest of a lemon

For the Topping:

• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

For the Glaze:

• Apricot jam (warmed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with top and bottom heat. Grease a 26cm (10-inch) springform pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest (if using) until light and fluffy.
   2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix briefly until just combined. Do not overmix.
   4. Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread it out evenly.
   • Arrange the sliced apples on top of the batter in a decorative pattern, slightly pressing them into the dough.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. Glaze the Cake:
   • While the cake is still warm, heat the apricot jam until it becomes smooth and liquid.
   • Brush the warm cake with the apricot glaze, ensuring an even coating.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your moist and fruity apple cake with a sweet apricot glaze—perfect for any occasion!