This Layered Apple Pudding Cake is a beautifully simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that combines thin slices of apples with a light and tender batter. The result is a cake with multiple layers of tender apples, each enveloped in a subtly sweet, vanilla-scented batter. The addition of a hint of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the flavors, making this cake a comforting treat. Baked to a golden perfection, it can be enjoyed warm with ice cream, drizzled with dulce de leche, or simply served on its own with a hot cup of mate.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll adore this cake for its simplicity and versatility. The thin layers of apples create a moist, almost custard-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the light, airy batter. The flavor profile is enhanced by the addition of cinnamon and vanilla, making it fragrant and comforting. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also offers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a dessert that feels both homey and special.
Perfect Occasion: This Layered Apple Pudding Cake is perfect for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a comforting weekend treat. Its simplicity makes it a wonderful dessert for any occasion, whether you're serving it as a light post-meal sweet or pairing it with a hot beverage for an afternoon snack. It's also an excellent choice for entertaining, as it can be dressed up with ice cream or a drizzle of dulce de leche, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Decoration Tips: For an inviting presentation, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar once it has cooled slightly. If serving warm, consider topping each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and drizzle with a bit of warm dulce de leche for an extra indulgent touch. You can also garnish with a few apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples, thinly sliced
- 3 eggs
- 180 g sugar
- 80 g melted butter
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 130 g self-raising flour (or 130 g all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + a pinch of salt)
- 150 ml milk
- Prepare the Batter: Begin by beating the eggs with the sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to create a tender and airy texture in the finished cake. Gradually add the melted butter and a splash of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. If desired, add the cinnamon at this stage for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour (or the all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt) into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a portion of the flour, mix until just combined, then add a portion of the milk. Repeat this process until all the flour and milk have been incorporated, resulting in a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Add the Apples: Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter, ensuring each slice is well coated. The batter should be thick enough to hold the apple slices together, creating the characteristic layers of the cake as it bakes.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and flour a 25-28 cm long loaf pan. For easier removal after baking, line the pan with a strip of parchment paper, allowing the ends to hang over the sides for easy lifting.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment paper. The cake can be served warm, drizzled with warm dulce de leche, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Alternatively, enjoy it at room temperature with a cup of mate for a simple and satisfying treat.
Enjoy: Savor the delicate layers of apples and the tender crumb of this Layered Apple Pudding Cake—a perfect blend of fruit, sweetness, and spice that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!