Indulge in the unique blend of rich chocolate and the natural sweetness of apples (or pears, if you prefer) with this mouthwatering Chocolate-Apple Cake recipe. This cake is a testament to the harmony between the deep, luxurious flavor of chocolate and the fresh, tangy taste of apples, wrapped in a soft and moist cake that's a joy to bake and eat.
Why You'll Love This:
- Versatile Fruit Option: Swap apples for pears to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Chocolate chips add a delightful texture and chocolatey depth with every bite.
- Elegant Finish: A brush of warm apricot jam not only adds a glossy finish to the fruit but also keeps them moist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Perfect Occasion:
This Chocolate-Apple Cake is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without too much fuss. Be it a cozy family gathering, a casual brunch with friends, or a festive celebration, this cake is sure to be a hit. It's especially suited for autumn gatherings, where the flavors resonate with the season.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side not only adds creaminess but also beautifully complements the chocolate and fruit flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Garnish: Enhance the presentation by arranging fresh apple slices or whole berries on top before serving.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For extra chocolate indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake once it's cooled.
Ingredients Needed:
- 125g soft butter
- 90g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150g flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 50g chocolate chips
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
- 2 tbsp warm apricot jam for glazing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) with both top and bottom heat.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder, then fold these dry ingredients into the wet mix along with the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a 22 cm diameter cake pan, then arrange the apple slices on top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While still warm, brush the top of the cake with warm apricot jam to give the apples a beautiful shine and prevent them from drying out.
Enjoy this deliciously moist and flavorful Chocolate-Apple Cake, where each slice brings you the perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and the fresh zest of apples. Enjoy!